20 Monarchs Due For King Jaja’s 70th Birthday

Over 20 traditional rulers from within and outside Nigeria are due in Rivers State, next week to participate in the 70th birthday Anniversary celebration of the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson D. Jaja.

Among the monarchs expected at the celebrations include the Amanyanabo of Kalabari and chairman, Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, King (Prof) T.J.T. Princewill, the Obong of Calabar and the Oba of Lagos. Others expected include the Obi of Onitsha, Emir of Kano, Sultan of Sokoto and the Gbong Gwon, Jos.

Alabo, Prince Charles D. Mac Pepple Jaja, a member of Opobo Alapu council dropped the hint in an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt, Monday.

The Chief, who is chairman of the sub-committee on Dance groups/costumes for King Dandeson Jaja’s 70th birthday celebration, also announced events outlined for the celebration.

According to him, the celebration will commence on the 24th of April with a choral evening at the auditorium of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

This will be followed with a book/endowment fund lunch for the less privileged and prostate cancer patients on the 26th of April at the Rivers State House of Assembly Auditorium.

Alabo MacPepple-Jaja said the celebration will shift to Opobo Town where on April 27th, guests will be entertained to the Siri (Tiger) Masquerade Performance.

On April 28, which is King Dandeson’s birthday, a special Egbelegbe Masquarade performance is expected to thrill the audience.

In the evening of both 27th and 28th April there will be Ngunume dance performance in the King Jaja’s Palace.

Also on Saturday April 28, the King’s Jaja flagship Kweni, will lead Long John, the Mac-Pepple House gig and those of Kalaomuso and Fubarakworo sections on a regatta performance on the Opobo River as part of the celebration.

A special thanksgiving service at the St Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town and a civic reception at the King Jaja’s palace will bring Saturday’s events to a close as well as mark the finale of the celebration.

Alabo Mac-Pepple himself a younger brother of the King, invited all to participate in the celebration.