King Jaja, Jeki VI, Pays Homage To Oku Ibom Ibibio

King Jaja, Jeki VI, Pays Homage To Oku Ibom Ibibio

…Reaffirms Long-Standing Relationship Between Opobo Kingdom and Akwa Ibom People

By Destiny Isong

His Royal Majesty, King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI, Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, paid homage to His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, CFR, Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, at his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

The visit was to formally extend an invitation to Oku Ibom Ibibio and the entire Akwa Ibom traditional institution to the monarch’s coronation, scheduled for September 26, 2026.

Speaking during the visit, the King of Opobo reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Opobo Kingdom and the people of Akwa Ibom, describing the historic affinity as one anchored in shared heritage, cultural kinship and enduring brotherhood.

King Jaja pledged to preserve and fortify the historic bond, vowing to follow the path of his predecessors by sustaining the tradition of mutual respect, cultural bond and cordiality between Opobo Kingdom and the people of Akwa Ibom.

Responding, Oku Ibom Ibibio recalled the historic affinity between the people of Akwa Ibom and Opobo Kingdom, describing it as an ancient brotherhood nurtured across generations.

Ntenyin Etuk enjoined the monarch to preserve this enduring bond, noting that it transcends present-day boundaries and remains a treasured heritage deserving of preservation for posterity.

In a striking expression of royal fraternity, Oku Ibom Ibibio invited King Jaja, Jeki VI, to sit beside him on the royal throne, symbolising acceptance, unity and traditional solidarity.

Ntenyin Etuk thereafter offered prayers upon the new reign, invoking wisdom, peace, unity, strength and divine guidance for the monarch, his royal household and the people of Opobo Kingdom.

The visit reaffirmed the historic affinity between Opobo Kingdom and Akwa Ibom, while further strengthening the bonds of traditional fellowship, cultural kinship and mutual respect.

Royal fathers who witnessed the visit included HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia, Paramount Ruler of Eket; HRM Edidem Raymond Timothy Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Onna; and HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, JP, Paramount Ruler of Uyo.

Also present were HRM Edidem Peter Okon Effiong, Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai, and HRM Edidem Clement Francis Ekpenyong III, Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan.

Among those in attendance were village heads from Nsit Ubium, notably Eteidung Udousoro Usoro, Village Head of Ikot Ekpene Udo; Eteidung Sunday Mathew, Village Head of Ikot Ekpan; Eteidung Ekom Jonathan, Village Head of Ikot Ukap; and Eteidung (Dr.) Raymond Ekpo, Village Head of Ikot Imo, and others.

Adding colour and cultural grandeur to the occasion, a traditional dance troupe thrilled the visiting monarch, his entourage and the royal fathers with captivating performances, further showcasing the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of the Akwa Ibom people.