HE Amb Godknows Igali, the Nationa Chairman of Pandef; HE Sir Celestine Ngozichim Omehia, the former Governor of Rivers state; HE Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, the Deputy Governor of Rivers state; and HE Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers state at the funeral service of the late monarch of Opobo.
Opobo, Rivers State — The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has paid glowing tribute to the late Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, describing him as a steadfast advocate of regional unity and development.
The delegation was led by PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali, alongside members of the National Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, who attended the funeral service held at the Anglican Church in Opobo ancestral town.
The visit followed an earlier condolence trip by PANDEF earlier in the year after the passing of the monarch, who was also a member of the organisation’s Board of Trustees.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the forum noted that the late monarch was deeply committed to the Niger Delta cause and consistently participated in key regional engagements.
He was described as a regular presence at PANDEF Board of Trustees meetings in Abuja and an active supporter of initiatives aimed at advancing peace, security, and development in the region.
The forum recalled that the late monarch was part of the PANDEF delegation that visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 to present an eight-point development demand for the Niger Delta, including the development of deep-sea ports, strengthening regional security, addressing displacement issues in the Bakassi Peninsula, and establishing the South-South Development Commission, among others.
PANDEF noted that the monarch’s last public engagement with the forum was during the church outing service of the late PANDEF leader, Chief E.K. Clark, held in Kigbodo, Delta State.
The group also highlighted his past leadership roles, including his tenure as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of the University of Jos, describing him as a monarch who consistently championed progress and regional cohesion.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, PANDEF leadership said the late King Jaja remained a strong voice for development until his passing, adding that his contributions to the Niger Delta would be long remembered.
The forum concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, describing him as a leader who “came, saw, and contributed immensely to the progress of his people.”
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