The Amanyanabo of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, has paid a royal visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, in a move set to strengthen historic ties between the Niger Delta and Northern Nigeria.

The visit, which included a personal invitation to the Sultan to attend the forthcoming SE DIYE final coronation ceremony on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at King Amachree Memorial Hall, Buguma, Rivers State, highlighted the role of traditional institutions in promoting national unity, cultural understanding and cooperation.

Speaking during the visit, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye-Amakiri 1, Amakiri Ekpeke, Sebromabo, Amanyanabo of the chiefdom and principalities of The Source, Elem Kalabari, and Torusarama Piri of the Kingdom of Kalabari, disclosed that his relationship with the Sultan dated back many years, including several occasions when they performed the Hajj pilgrimage together.

“I and the Sultan have known ourselves for a long time. We have been to Hajj three or four times together in the past,” he said.

He also informed the Sultan of the Nikhai of Princess Nene Amirah Dokubo-Asari, scheduled for December 18, 2026, ahead of the final coronation rites the following day.

Explaining the significance of the ceremony, he said the traditional process of becoming a fully crowned monarch involved several stages, adding that December 19 would mark his formal presentation to his people.

In his response, the Sultan expressed delight at receiving the delegation from Rivers State and commended Da Amakiri Tubo for his longstanding humanitarian activities and contributions to both Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

“God is never wrong in whatever he does. For him to be elevated now, it means the works he has been doing have had a positive impact on the people,” the Sultan said.

He emphasised that leadership was a responsibility entrusted by Almighty Allah and assured the visiting monarch of his continued support.

“By the grace of Almighty Allah, I will try and make it to your coronation,” he added.

The visit brought together two traditional institutions with distinct but significant places in Nigeria’s history. Elem Kalabari developed as a prominent maritime society shaped by riverine commerce, diplomacy and the traditional canoe-house system, while Sokoto became the centre of the influential nineteenth-century Sokoto Caliphate established following the movement led by Sheikh Usman dan Fodio.

Observers of traditional institutions regard sustained engagement between such historic centres as an opportunity to deepen cultural exchanges, preserve historical heritage and strengthen relationships across Nigeria’s geographical and religious divides.

The forthcoming SE DIYE ceremony is expected to attract traditional rulers, government representatives, cultural leaders and other distinguished guests to Buguma for the final coronation and ascension ceremony marking Da Amakiri Tubo’s reign as Amanyanabo of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri.

The invitation to the Sultan represents an effort to extend the ceremony’s significance beyond the Kalabari Kingdom and foster stronger relations between Elem Kalabari and Sokoto.

The visit has opened an opportunity for further engagement between the two institutions through reciprocal visits, cultural exchanges and the documentation of their respective histories.

SE DIYE holds on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at King Amachree Memorial Hall, Buguma, Rivers State. (Daily Independent)