Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, have arrived in Opobo Kingdom, Rivers State, for the coronation of King Charles Douglas Jaja, Jeki VI, Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.

Jonathan and his wife arrived at the venue at about 11:15 am alongside other guests.

Also in attendance is the Rivers State Governor, represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu; former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, and his wife, Dame Christie.

Monarchs from other kingdoms are also in attendance, including the Igwe of Onitsha, King Nnaemeka Obi, and the Olu of Warri, alongside other government officials.

King Charles Douglas Jaja succeeds the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who passed away last year and was buried in April 2026.

PUNCH earlier reported that the the ancient kingdom in Rivers picked a September date to crown its new king.

King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was in December 2025 elected as the new monarch (Amanyanabo the sixth) of the kingdom following the demise of the former occupant of the throne and former Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Dandeson Douglas Jaja.

At a news conference in Port Harcourt, the Vice Chairman, Opobo Council of Chiefs, Princewill Dappa, said all preparations have been put in place to mark the historic epoch occasion in the kingdom.

Dappa said a set of activities had been lined up till the grand coronation slated for Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Opobo Town in the Opobo Local Government Area of Rivers State. (PUNCH)

•PHOTO: Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan (left), Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and other guests at the coronation of the new king of Opobo Kingdom, Rivers State.