Global dignitaries gather as Opobo bids farewell to King Dandeson Jaja

Traditional rulers from across the Niger Delta and South West, the Rivers State government, and international representatives joined the people of the ancient Opobo Kingdom on Saturday to pay their final respects to King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Amanyanabo of Opobo.

King Dandeson Jaja “transmigrated” in December 2025 at the age of 83. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, also of Opobo descent, described Jeki V as a man of peace, stating that the day was a celebration of a monarch who contributed significantly to his kingdom, state, and the nation.

Governor Fubara noted that in traditional belief, kings do not die but transit to a new journey. He praised the late monarch for maintaining peace in the kingdom for more than 20 years, even during periods of contestation over the throne. The governor described him as an embodiment of leadership, dignity, and service.

In a condolence message to Amayanabo-Elect of Opobo Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI, Fubara said the late king served Rivers State and the country with courage and integrity. He stated that the monarch’s reign was a testament to the positive power of tradition and progress.

The funeral drew traditional rulers and representatives from Calabar, Benin, Bonny, Ekpeye, Andoni, and Ijaw areas, as well as delegates from Abia and Imo states. Eze Aro IX Eberechukwu Oji said traditional rulers across southern Nigeria stood in solidarity with the Opobo people to honour a highly revered leader.

Former State Commissioner for Information Ibim Semenitari said the king was a true man of the church who has now “joined the saints triumphant”. She noted that while he has moved to the other side in cultural parlance, he continues to watch over the kingdom.

Semenitari credited King Dandeson Jaja with placing Opobo on Nigeria’s cultural calendar through the Opobo International Boat Regatta and sustaining the Ibani culture. Former RSIEC chairman and member of the King Jaja Executive Authority Sam Sam Jaja said the late monarch ruled the kingdom longer than any other since the first King Jaja.

Sam Sam Jaja also recalled the historic link with the British monarchy, noting that Queen Victoria honoured the original King Jaja with a royal crown and the title of admiral of the fleet. Despite past trading disputes, the respect accorded to the throne remains a point of connection for the kingdom.

The reign of Jeki V was marked by significant infrastructure and social developments, according to former state Commissioner for Commerce Joe Johnson. These include the Unity Road linking Opobo to other local government areas, improved power supply, and the establishment of educational endowments.

Johnson said the king initiated educational and health programmes that the community embraced. He concluded that the enduring peace in Opobo, one of the most stable areas in the state, was a direct result of the king’s unifying leadership.