Opobo Kingdom Announces Transmigration Rites For Late Amanyanabo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja

April 6, 2026 Emily Igoerechinma

The traditional leadership of Opobo Kingdom led by the Amanyanabo of Opobo, His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, with his Council of Alapu, have announced a programme of activities for the final rites of passage of the late monarch, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, JP, Jeki V, who has joined his ancestors.

The Event Management Committee of the Kingdom announced this via a statement on Sunday, April 5, 2026 signed by its Chairman, Amaopusenibo Bobo Brown, in Opobo, Rivers State.

**Chairman, Event Management Committee, Opobo Kingdom, Amaopusenibo Bobo Brown**

According to the statement, the ceremonies will commence with a valedictory session organised by the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at its Secretariat in Port Harcourt.

A Day of Tributes and Choir Festival will follow on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 12 noon at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, bringing together voices in honour of the departed king.

On Friday, April 10, 2026, the late monarch will lie in state at 9 a.m. at King Jaja’s Palace, Opuwari, Opobo Town, ahead of the funeral service scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St Paul’s Anglican Church.

Interment will take place later that day at 3 p.m. at King Jaja’s Royal Burial Vault.

The statement further disclosed that traditional rites will continue for 16 days in accordance with Ibani customs. These will feature performances by the 14 Polo of Opobo Kingdom, alongside cultural displays by groups from Grand Bonny, Nkoro, Andoni and other neighbouring communities.

Activities will also include a choral concert by the diocesan body and a novelty football match involving Opobo United All Stars.

The late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja ascended the throne as Amanyanabo of Opobo on January 3, 2004.

He was honoured with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2017 and served as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers from 2015 to 2023.

He also held the position of Co-Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers.

Now under the leadership of his successor, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Jaja, who was elected on December 31, 2025, Opobo Kingdom says it remains steadfast in celebrating the life and legacy of the late monarch, while upholding its vision as a land where the dignity of all is paramount.