Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has congratulated the Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, Da Amakiri Tubo, ahead of his December coronation rites and promised to honour the invitation to the historic ceremony.
The governor gave the assurance during a meeting with the monarch, who invited him to Elem Kalabari coronation celebrations scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026, at King Amachree Memorial Hall in Buguma, Rivers State.
The meeting also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two men. Bago’s response adds to preparations for SE DIYE, the final coronation rites of the traditional ruler of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri.
The ceremony is expected to bring together traditional rulers, political leaders, public officials and cultural figures from across Nigeria.
Elem Kalabari Coronation Draws National Attention
For Da Amakiri Tubo, the outreach extends beyond inviting prominent guests to a royal celebration. It also reflects an effort to strengthen friendships and build relationships across ethnic, religious and geographical boundaries.
The monarch’s journey to the throne has taken him through religious engagement, Niger Delta activism, political agitation and traditional service. His emergence as a traditional ruler marks a new chapter in a public life shaped by the region’s debates over resource control, political representation and identity.
Supporters view his traditional leadership as an opportunity to channel his experience into cultural preservation, community leadership and the promotion of Kalabari heritage.
The forthcoming Elem Kalabari coronation is therefore being presented as both a major traditional event and a celebration of the monarch’s journey through public life.
How Da Amakiri Tubo Emerged as Monarch
The monarch’s path to traditional leadership involved several appointments and formal recognitions.
On November 1, 2023, he became Head of the Edi Abali Group of Houses. Eight days later, on November 9, he performed SE DIYE as Alabo Edi Abali, marking an important stage in his traditional journey.
Edi Abali is one of the prominent war canoe houses in Kalabari history. Its heritage is associated with Alabo Inabioboari Braide, who is remembered in Kalabari historical accounts as the first Prime Minister of the Kalabari state.
On May 23, 2024, the King Abbi Royal House selected Da Amakiri Tubo as Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari. On the same day, the Kalabari Se Kobiri selected him as Amakiri Ekpeke, a title associated with the role of shield and defender of the Kalabari people.
The Rivers State Government recognised his position on October 8, 2024. Governor Siminalayi Fubara subsequently presented him with the Staff of Office on December 31, 2024.
He also adopted the title Dabaye Amakiri I, further connecting his reign to the traditions and cultural identity of the Kalabari people.
The December ceremony will mark another major milestone in the traditional process surrounding his leadership of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri.
Jonathan, Wike, Fubara Among Prominent Figures Linked to Event
Preparations for the ceremony have drawn attention to a number of prominent Nigerians expected or invited to attend.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, are among the personalities whose attendance is anticipated. Other prominent figures associated with the event include Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and his wife.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who presented the monarch with his Staff of Office, is expected to serve as chief host for the occasion.
The gathering is expected to include traditional rulers, serving and former public officeholders, political leaders, cultural custodians and other distinguished guests.
As preparations continue, the Elem Kalabari coronation is taking shape as an opportunity to celebrate the community’s heritage and strengthen ties between the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria.
Governor Bago’s pledge to attend adds to the list of dignitaries linked to the December 19 event, as the monarch prepares for the final stage of his coronation rites.
By Al Humphrey Onyanabo