A former Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers (RSCTR), His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, Perekule XI has been extolled for his magnanimity and inclusive governance which has impacted positively on the Juwo-Owibo (Jumbo) Major House of Grand Bonny Kingdom.

King Pepple III, who is also referred to as King Edward I, is the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Grand Bonny Kingdom and Chairman of the RSCTR during the tenure of Dr Peter Odili as Governor of Rivers State. 

Chairman of the Ogbobiri Asawo (Senior Youths) of Jumbo Major House, Eugene Jumbo, who came out with this in an interview with Kristina Reports in Bonny on Monday, January 4, 2021, said the favourable disposition of King Pepple III towards Jumbo Major House, which is his maternal family, was outstanding and praiseworthy.  

“I really want to thank the Amanyanabo of Bonny, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, for his support to the House. He has been very, very supportive.”

He stated that, as the custodian of Bonny culture and tradition, the revered Monarch, has ensured stability of the Jumbo Major House by recognizing and interfacing with its Elders’ Council, and gifting them with a live cow for the Yuletide celebrations, which, in his considered view was an endorsement of the Council as the statutory institution saddled with the leadership of the House in the absence of a Chief, which situation the house was at the moment. 

“He has always been by the side of the Elders’ Council. He has been there for us. In December 2020, he presented a live cow, which, for me, I see as a rainbow gift to the House because a rainbow gift has many meanings.”

“It means he recognizes the leadership of the House headed by the Council of Elders. It also means he is very, very impressed with their leadership so far. It means that as the custodian of Bonny tradition that without a chief that the elders council is the appropriate body to run the affairs of the house.”

He further praised King Edward I for appointing one of theirs’ as Chairman of the Bonny Integrated Recruitment Centre (BIRC), noting that these underscores the confidence the King reposes in the competences and capacity of members of the Jumbo Major House.

“Recently, he appointed our son, Dagogo Fanyeofori Jumbo, popularly known as Opumingi, as the Chairman of the Bonny Integrated Recruitment Centre. So, on behalf of Jumbo Major House Ogbobiri Asawo, I say thank you.” 

Eugene Jumbo, who is also a senior civil servant with the Rivers State Civil Service, called on members of the Jumbo Major House to support the Elders Council, who he commended for exemplifying transparency, accountability and strong leadership. 

“I want to say all members of the Jumbo Major House should be patient with the Elders Council. The Elders’ Council means well for the House. When they received some money about N1.4 billion they presented the amount to the House. They called a meeting, presented the amount to the House and disbursed it to all the burusu (subhouses) of Jumbo Major House. That was a very welcome development.”

“In that meeting they promised to undertake many projects, developmental projects in the house like estates and welfare and scholarships. And we know that all these things will bring development to the House.”

“So, without coming together, peacefully and speaking with one voice they might not actualize their objective, and their proposals. So, we support them. We have to drop sentiments and selfish interests.”

He appealed for patience as the Elders Council continues to work assiduously for the resolve of all outstanding challenges confronting the House including producing another Chief to lead the House. 

“For me, it is the place of the Elders Council to decide who will be the chief of the house. We have to work with them and pray that God should give them the wisdom and the strength. Who knows, whenever they decide to make the chief so that we have a chief.”