Dokubo-Asari Installed As Amanyanabo Of Elem Kalabari

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Controversial Niger Delta leader, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, has been formally installed as the Amanyanabo (King) of Elem Kalabari, the ancestral home of the Kalabari Kingdom, on December 31st, 2024.

The historic ceremony, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, saw Rivers State Governor Siminlayi Fubara bestow the staff of office upon Dokubo-Asari, who will now be known as Da-Amakiri Tubo (Dabaye Amakiri 1).

Elem Kalabari holds significant historical and cultural importance as the birthplace of the Kalabari people.

The installation marks a pivotal moment for the community, with Dokubo-Asari pledging to prioritize social, cultural, and economic development.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he stated, “I am lost for words. This honour is of great joy to me and I thank our dynamic Governor, Sir Siminlayi Fubara for the honour and privilege to serve the Kalabari kingdom in this capacity.”

His arrival in Obuama was met with a jubilant welcome, a sea of people greeting him with music and dance.

The emotional weight of the occasion was evident as he shed tears upon reaching his residence, a moment shared by some in the cheering crowd.

The appointment of Dokubo-Asari, a prominent figure known for his decades-long activism in the Niger Delta, brings a unique perspective to the kingship.

His history of advocating for resource control, fighting environmental degradation, and challenging injustice has earned him both supporters and detractors.

His past includes numerous arrests and even extended periods of solitary confinement, experiences that have only strengthened his resolve, according to many supporters.

He is widely considered a powerful voice and motivator for Niger Delta youth.

His new role offers a significant platform to further his commitment to the betterment of the Kalabari Kingdom and the wider Niger Delta region.

His leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of Elem Kalabari, adding another chapter to his already impactful life.