AMBASSADOR-GODKNOWS BOLADEI-IGALI-LEADS-PANDEF-IN-CELEBRATING-CULTURAL-HERITAGE-AND-ROYALTY-AS-KING-CHARLES-DOUGLAS-JAJA,-JEKI-VI,-ASCENDS-THE-ANCIENT-OPOBO-THRONE

AMBASSADOR GODKNOWS BOLADEI IGALI LEADS PANDEF IN CELEBRATING CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ROYALTY AS KING CHARLES DOUGLAS JAJA, JEKI VI, ASCENDS THE ANCIENT OPOBO THRONE

DAVE IKIEDEI ASEI | WISDOM TIDE NEWS | September 27, 2026

In a majestic convergence of rich tradition, royal grandeur, and regional solidarity, the ancient kingdom of Opobo stands still today, Saturday, 26th September 2026, as His Majesty, King Charles Douglas Jaja, Jeki VI, officially ascends the legendary throne of his forebears. At the helm of this historic moment, championing the regional unity and cultural pride of the South-South, is the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON. Demonstrating his deep commitment to preserving the region's sacred traditions, 

Ambassador Igali is personally leading a high-powered 30-member delegation—comprising members of PANDEF's Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, and Representatives of State Executive Committees—at the gracious invitation of the Opobo Traditional Council.

The ascension of King Charles Douglas Jaja, Jeki VI, carries immense historical weight, tracing a direct line of royal heritage back to the legendary King Jaja of Opobo, whose formidable legacy of trade, independence, and political acumen resonates across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Under the visionary stewardship of Ambassador Igali, PANDEF continues to weave these historical threads into a cohesive narrative of Niger Delta dignity and strength. The coronation holds special emotional and structural significance for the forum, as King Charles succeeds his late elder brother, King Dandelson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, a revered founding member of the PANDEF Board of Trustees whose contributions laid a solid foundation for the group's advocacy.

Ambassador Igali’s proactive leadership at this historic gathering highlights his strategic vision to position traditional institutions as essential pillars for peaceful coexistence, sustainable development, and socio-economic progress across Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta. Recognizing the powerful symbolism of the event, the PANDEF National Chairman has directed the National Secretary and National Publicity Secretary to ensure that all official PANDEF platforms feature the image and honors of the newly crowned King, ensuring the celebration reaches every corner of the region and the diaspora.

Through his decisive leadership and statesmanlike presence, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, reaffirms PANDEF’s unwavering role as the ultimate voice and custodian of the Niger Delta people. As the echoes of royal drums resound across Opobo Kingdom, Ambassador Igali, on behalf of the leadership and entire membership of PANDEF, extends his warmest congratulations and heartfelt prayers for a peaceful, prosperous, and glorious reign for King Charles Douglas Jaja, Jeki VI, under the guided hand of the Almighty.