At the 27th anniversary of his coronation, the Ama-Na-Koromabo (Natural Ruler) and Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Dr Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI says he is delighted to be king over “a blessed kingdom and fantastic people”.

King Edward I, who said this in a statement he personally signed and made public on Thursday, December 21, 2023, also outlined a litany of projects about to commence across Bonny Island.

These, according to him, include expansion of the Bonny Main Road from Shell Gate to Coal Beach and from Amaomu Junction to the King Perekule Palace; a 5,000 Capacity Stadium alongside a Sports Academy with, Hostels, Clinic and other training and social facilities.

He added that the projects also include an Express Road from Workers’ Camp Junction to Simidia Junction on Abalamabie Road, as well as a Vehicular Terminal to complement the soon-to-be completed Bodo-Bonny Road.

King William Dappa Pepple III stated that these projects were geared “towards building a kingdom that we can all take immense pride in”, noting that this consolidates on the remarkable achievements attained, so far, which include provision of essential amenities such as uninterrupted electricity, potable water, road networks, healthcare and social facilities, interventions in sports and educational sector to the ongoing construction of vital infrastructure.

In the light of imminent demolition of properties on the right of way of the proposed roads to be constructed, the Monarch appealed for understanding from owners and occupants of affected properties, assuring that compensations would be paid for them acquire new ones.

“I am aware that execution of these projects will come with a price as many buildings and structures have been marked for partial or total demolition. I understand the pains of having to lose a place of business or service.”

“However, I enjoin you to see it as the sacrifice we must make for our Kingdom to develop and prosper. Moreover, we would ensure that owners of affected buildings and structures are compensated so they can rebuild or acquire new ones. I sincerely appreciate your understanding in this regard.”

The Bonny King, who is also the leader of the Ibani race, a subset of the larger Ijaw ethnic nationality, attributed the successful 27 years of his reign to God Almighty, asserting that “it has been God all through”, praying for continuous guidance and leading.

“My dear good people and residents of Bonny Kingdom, as you all know, today, December 21, marks my 27 years on the throne as Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom. We give God Almighty all the glory and adoration for His abundant grace which has taken us this far.”

“As the Bible rightly says: “By strength shall no man prevail.” It has been God all through. We pray that He continues to lead and guide us in Jesus name, Amen.”

The Amanyanabo-in-Council expressed his gratitude to the Bonny Chiefs Council and various institutions of the Kingdom, as well as corporate friends of the Kingdom such as Nigeria LNG for their support, urging them to sustain such support.

“I thank the Bonny Chiefs’ Council and all Committees and Agencies of the kingdom for all their interventions on behalf of Bonny Kingdom.”

“I would like to appreciate our corporate friends, especially the Nigeria LNG Limited for being on the same page with us in our developmental drive and aspirations as a people. I encourage them to continue to cooperate with us in reciprocation and acknowledgement of our hospitality and goodwill.”

“I urge you, my people, to continue to stand with me and key into my Vision of a New Bonny kingdom that is synonymous with progress, prosperity, unity, and love. Your steadfastness and unwavering support are pivotal as we strive for even greater development and success.”

“Together, let us forge ahead with determination and dedication, knowing that our collective efforts will lead to a future where every individual in our kingdom can thrive and find fulfillment.”

As Ibani customs and tradition demands, the then young Edward was installed Chief and Head of the George-Pepple Chieftaincy House, also known as Perekule House, and later coronated and proclaimed Amanyanabo-in-Council of Grand Bonny Kingdom on Friday, December 21, 1996 at Ikuba Nungo, Bonny, Rivers State.

Upon his coronation, he became the third King William Dappa Pepple, the first King Edward and 11th King Perekule on the King Perekule throne. He was later elected and served as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as Pro-Chancellor of several universities in the country.

In the 27 years he has been on the saddle, the Bonny Monarch has marshalled men and resources and engaged with diverse stakeholders to mainstream the development of his Kingdom. So far, Bonny Island remains the only part of Nigeria with 24/7 electricity and water supply.

To consolidate on the status of Bonny Island as a business hub, he has also set up various institutions to drive the development agenda of the Kingdom such as the Bonny Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bonny Kingdom Development Committee, Bonny Kingdom Local Content Compliance Committee, Bonny Kingdom Freedom to Operate Committee as well as the Bonny-Bodo Road Project Monitoring Committee

He also set up the Bonny Women Forum and Bonny Youth Federation to create opportunity for women and youths in the Kingdom to provide the enabling environment for them to pursue their aspirations.