Kinsmen of the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, the Dappa-ye-Amakiriama House of Kalaibiama in Bonny Local Government Area, have extolled his sterling qualities and offered prayers for him as he marks his 58th birthday on June 11, 2023.

Secretary of Dappa-ye-Amakiriama family, Warisenibo Praise Amakiriama, who spoke on Sunday, June 11, 2023, during a special meeting of the house to celebrate the Bonny Kingdom Monarch, said he was deserving of honour and adulation.

The family held a Special Thanksgiving Service at St. Thomas Christ Army Church, Kalaibiama and a cultural dance performance also in Kalaibiama.    

“The Dappa-ye-Amakiriama House of Kalaibiama celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI, the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Grand Bonny Kingdom.”

“Last year, we celebrated his birthday at Ikuba Square, this year we decided to celebrate it here in our hometown, Kalaibiama.”  

“According to our flyers spread across Bonny Kingdom, we start with church service in an indigenous church, St. Thomas Christ Army Church of Nigeria, Kalaibiama. We have concluded the church service and we are in here at our opuwari, Dappa-ye-Amakiriama Opuwari of Kalaibiama.”

“Gathered here are the Wariopuseniapu, amongst whom is the Chairman of the House, no other person than Wariopusenibo Tamuno-Opubo Edward Amakiriama, with his council members, other members of other houses in Kalaibiama, the Tolofari and Pollyn Houses joined us to celebrate the king here in Kalaibiama.”

He stated that they are celebrating the King because he is related to their ancestor, Queen Dappa-ye-Amakiriama, who was a notable figure in the Bonny Kingdom royal lineage, stressing that the King’s birthday affords everyone the opportunity to celebrate the noble values he stands for.

“We want to let the world know that today is the King’s birthday. We, the Dappa-ye-Amakiriama, who are related equally to him, are very happy and find it fit to see that our brother, father and present King of Bonny Kingdom is hale and hearty, still young enough to rule this Kingdom with all his God-given wisdom.”

“We want the world to join us and celebrate His Majesty. We pray for long life with infinite victories over all enemies within and without. God should continue to bless him with wisdom to rule this kingdom to a glorious end.”

“Dappa-ye-Amakiriama house is a bonafide house in Kalaibiama established by the then King through his daughter, Dappa-ye-Amakiriama, in the 17th century.”

Checks by Kristina Reports reveal that the Dappa-ye-Amakiriama are descendants of the Princess Amakiriama, also known as Princess Igbani in history books. She was the daughter of King Dappa-ye-Amakiriama, son of Opu Dappa, son of Kumalu.