Kalabari Begins Countdown to Dokubo-Asari’s December Coronation

Preparations have commenced for the coronation of the Amanyanabo of the Source, Elem Kalabari, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, with the ceremony scheduled for Dec. 19.

Dokubo-Asari inaugurated a 16-unit Central Planning Committee on Saturday at his residence in Ipokuma, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, to coordinate arrangements for the coronation and the accompanying Se Diye ceremony.

He charged the committee to work collectively and ensure that the event reflects the culture, traditions and heritage of the Kalabari people.

The committee, chaired by Chief Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, has Chief Dr David T. Briggs and Chief Dr Emi Membere-Otaji as co-chairmen, while Dr Emi Iyalla will serve as secretary.

The 16 units will oversee areas including media and publicity, culture and coronation, transport and logistics, external relations, mobilisation, venue and catering, protocol, security, accommodation, finance, souvenirs, documentation, boat regatta, Kalabari dancing, environment and works, and medical services.

A Local Organising Committee has also been constituted to support the Central Planning Committee in coordinating activities across Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama.

The planning committee directed each unit to submit its work plan and budget within seven days of its appointment and to provide weekly progress reports.

It also stipulated that no unit should incur expenditure or make financial commitments without prior written approval from the Central Planning Committee.

Dokubo-Asari, who formally received the staff of office as Amanyanabo of the Source from former Rivers State Gov. Siminalayi Fubara in December 2024, has previously pledged to use the position to promote the social, cultural and economic development of the Kalabari people.

Meanwhile, the traditional ruler has clarified that the forthcoming ceremony does not concern the vacant stool of Amanyanabo of the wider Kalabari Kingdom.

Dokubo-Asari, while inaugurating the coronation committee, said he did not aspire to become Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom, amid speculation surrounding the traditional leadership of the kingdom.

The Dec. 19 ceremony is therefore expected to formally celebrate his position as Amanyanabo of the Source, Elem Kalabari, while showcasing the cultural heritage of the Kalabari people.