King Dokubo-Asari Installs Son As Chief, Rolls Out Boat Regatta

By ‘Bike Ogbuokiri—

The rich customs and time-honoured traditions of the ancient Kalabari Kingdom came alive in Buguma, Rivers State, today, February 28, 2026, as Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari (The Source), formally presented his son, Briebibo Dienyefa, to the Kalabari nation as a chief.

The ceremony marked the culmination of over two months of meticulous traditional processes — a demanding journey rooted in ancestry, honour, and communal validation. In Kalabari land, chieftaincy is neither symbolic nor automatic. It is earned through a rigorous rite of passage that requires the candidate to be presented before chiefs of various houses and families with which he has paternal affiliation.

At each stage, Briebibo Dienyefa was introduced, scrutinised, and affirmed. The chiefs examined not only his lineage but also his character, reputation, and conduct. In keeping with tradition, he had to be accepted as worthy and without blemish — fit to lead, represent, and uphold the dignity of his people.

With the traditional requirements satisfied, he was formally put forward by his father, the Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, to sit on his personal stool as Dokubo-Asari II — a title that carries both heritage and responsibility.

The presentation ceremony drew traditional rulers, chiefs, elders, and well-wishers from across Kalabari land, underscoring the cultural weight of the moment. It was not merely a family milestone but a reaffirmation of Kalabari’s enduring governance structure — one that blends ancestry, moral authority, and communal consensus.

The chieftaincy journey of Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari began on January 17, 2026, with a colourful outing in Buguma. He is taking over the personal chieftaincy stool initiated by his father in 2004. On that day, he was formally presented to the Edi Polo family at the Edi Polo Memorial Hall, marking the first step in a process deeply rooted in Kalabari custom.

A week later, on January 24, 2026, the second stage — Polo Diye, the traditional compound presentation — took place at the Omubo Birinaomoni Memorial Hall. Close to one hundred chiefs were in attendance, underscoring the seriousness of the rite and the weight of communal endorsement required for the path he had chosen.

On Saturday, February 27, 2026, he advanced further in consolidating his chieftaincy as he was presented at the Kariboye-Abi Princewill Memorial Hall, Buguma. The day carried historic significance. His father, the Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, was also presented to the Abi Royal Family in fulfilment of custom ahead of his coronation — a reminder that in Kalabari land, even a king must submit to ancestral protocol.

Early morning showers that Friday were interpreted by many as a sign of divine alignment with the solemnity of the moment.

This weekend stands as a defining chapter for Da Amakiri Tubo, the Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari. Father and son move through tradition side by side — one affirming his kingship rites, the other stepping fully into chieftaincy responsibility.

The royal convoy reflected the stature of the occasion. The Amanyanabo rode in a cream Rolls-Royce, followed by a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VXR and a Mercedes-Benz Brabus 800. The Amama Soldiers maintained tight security throughout the proceedings.

Today, at the King Kariboye-Abu Princewill Amachree Memorial Hall in Buguma, both father and son are being formally presented to the Abi Family chiefs, as tradition demands. The Abi Royal Family — custodians of ancestral legitimacy — play a central role in affirming both the king and the chief.

Proceedings are being overseen by the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere.

In keeping with Kalabari tradition, no coronation as Amanyanabo is complete without this presentation to the Abi Royal Family. It is a reaffirmation that authority flows not merely from title, but from lineage, acceptance, and adherence to sacred custom.

After the opening speech of the Regent, Chief Basoene Abiyesuku raised the hand of the monarch and presented him to the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom.

Thereafter, it was the turn of King Dokubo-Asari to formally present his son, Breibibo Dienboye, to his kinsmen of the Kariboye Abi Royal Family. Once accomplished, they stepped out into the afternoon sun. The crowd accompanying them had grown significantly. They moved to the King Amachree Town Hall, where a massive crowd awaited, around noon.

The presentation ceremony was simple. The Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere, was running the show. There was a quiz to test the fidelity of the new chief. He was first asked to identify two items: a cannonball and a tuber of yams on the table in front of the Regent, and to choose between the two. Afterwards, he was asked what action he would take if he learned of an insurgency against the king.

Following this, a family chief raised his hand and presented him to the Regent. After the successful presentation of any chief, cannonballs were fired. About ten chiefs came to show themselves today, like the son of the Amanyanabo of the Source, but without a doubt, the King stood out.

Musical entertainment outside was provided by the Ogele cultural troupe of the Amanyanabo and the members of the Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari Cultural Centre. Each tried to outdo the other, singing and dancing in the scorching sun for another two hours non-stop in honour of their patron. Today was a day of celebration.

Today, Saturday, February 28, is the grand finale. King Dokubo-Asari is championing the Se Diye (Presentation to the Kalabari nation) of his son, Alabo Briebibo Dienboye Dokubo-Asari.

To commemorate the installation, the kingdom staged a colourful boat regatta — a vibrant maritime display deeply woven into Kalabari cultural identity. The spectacle of decorated boats gliding across the waters, accompanied by music, chants, and traditional pageantry, symbolised continuity, celebration, and the living spirit of a riverine people.

For the Kalabari nation, the event stood as both a preservation of heritage and a declaration of succession — ensuring that the traditions of leadership remain intact, respected, and passed from one generation to the next.

This afternoon, the King Amachree Memorial Hall in Buguma is filled. Influential chiefs and figures from every stratum of the Kalabari Kingdom — including members of the diaspora and invited friends — are present for this historic gathering.

Inside and around the hall, traditional drums thunder without pause. Dancers move in tight formations, voices rise in rhythmic chants, and the tempo of celebration has reached a fevered intensity.

The atmosphere is electric, and the crowd’s exuberance leaves no doubt that this is a moment of collective pride and cultural significance. Today, five chiefs from the Edi Compound — also headed by King Asari-Dokubo — have advanced to the final and most prestigious stage of their chieftaincy journey: the Se Diye.

Those being presented are Alabo West Oburulele, Alabo Seliman of Sama, Alabo Dr Ebi Robinson Braide, Alabo Obiobra Pankin Braide, Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari, and Alabo Tubidikiba Braide.

The Se Diye — the formal presentation to the Kalabari nation — represents the highest level of chieftaincy installation in the Kalabari Kingdom. It comes only after a chief has successfully passed through the preceding stages of scrutiny and family endorsements. By the time a candidate reaches this point, he has already been examined by his compound and lineage.

The Se Diye extends that validation to the entire Kalabari nation. It is an undertaking of immense cultural and financial weight. The cost is substantial, but more importantly, the responsibility it confers is profound. The Se Diye is similar to the Ama Diye, but to a wider audience.

At this stage, the chief (known in Kalabari as Alabo) publicly presents himself before fellow chiefs from across Kalabari land — men who have themselves undergone the same rites. It serves as both introduction and affirmation: a declaration that he stands as a full Kalabari chief, recognised by tradition and accepted by his peers.

For the Kalabari people, the Se Diye is not merely a ceremony; it signifies institutional continuity. It ensures that leadership remains rooted in ancestry, accountability, and communal consent.

With its completion, Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari steps fully into the privileges and symbolism of his office. He may now wear the Don attire — the distinctive regalia of Kalabari chiefs — anywhere in the kingdom. The walking stick, with added swagger, is no longer merely ornamental. It signifies authority earned through process and endurance.

And truth be told, he has earned it. Today, he stands affirmed. Congratulations, Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari (Dokubo-Asari II). Continue to soar.