Asari-Dokubo joins royalty linage as Gov Fubara presents him, 3 others Staff of Office as monarchs

By KEMI KASUMU and OURU REPORTER, Port Harcourt

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday December 31, 2024, officially presented Staff of Office and Certificates of Recognition to four newly recognised traditional rulers in Rivers State, South South Nigeria, thus solidifying their roles as custodians of customs and traditions as well as cultural leaders of their respective communities.

According to details released and made available to The DEFENDER Wednesday night, the newly installed monarchs and distinguished honourees had among them fiery environmental rights fighter, Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, who was enthroned as His Royal Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri Kingdom, in Degema Local Government Area of the state.

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The DEFENDER reports that although some people took to the social media to knock Governor Fubara for enthroning an Asari-Dokubo, who has no royal blood ever before in him, cases of people in the South West have been cited of people monarchs, whose ascension to royalty was as a result of their being warrior in history.

One of the instances stated was that of an unnamed Ibadan General, whose ascension to one of the kingdom’s thrones of his time was because of his overbearing power as undefeatable warrior.

“Those who are knocking Governor Siminalayi Fubara for making Alhaji Asari-Dokubo a king in Rivers State should jettison that argument and let us go for something else.

“Who even told you that this internationally acknowledged warrior and fighter for the environmental rights of his Ijaw and Niger Delta people has no blue blood of royalty in him?

“They should not jump quickly to conclusion because, Governor Fubara is not a kid. He is leader of the state and could not have taken such decision without knowledge about customs and tradition of the people. It should not be a Yoruba man that should come and interfere in Ijaw royalty matter that he knows nothing about,” a source in Port Harcourt told Our Reporter Wednesday morning.

This global online newspaper furthered gathered that, asides King Asari-Dokubo, others who also received their Staff of Office and Certificates of Recognition from Governor Fubara on Tuesday included His Royal Majesty King Winston Odize Alamina Oputibeya XII, the Amanyanabo of Koniju in Okrika Local Government Area; His Royal Majesty Eze (CSP Rtd) Noble Friday Uwoh, the Eze Igbu-Ehuda (Ahoada) IV in Ahoada-East Local Government Area; and His Royal Highness Prince Ike Ehie, the Eze Igbu Orilukwoe, also in Ahoada-East Local Government Area, all in Rivers State.

The DEFENDER reports, also, that the ceremony for the installation of the four newly recognised Rivers State monarchs was held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara highlighted the vital role of traditional rulers in fostering harmony and driving progress in their communities.

He urged the new monarchs to use their positions to unify their people and support state development initiatives.

Governor Fubara also explained that their new roles should not be seen as opportunities for personal gain but as a call to serve and protect their communities.

“On behalf of the government, let me congratulate all four of you. Reaching this point hasn’t been easy, and I know you’ve worked hard to get here. This recognition is not for personal enrichment but a responsibility to help us safeguard lives and property in your areas,” the governor stated.

While acknowledging the government’s authority to revoke the recognition of any traditional ruler found to be failing in their duties, Fubara made it clear that this would not be his intention.

He further urged the monarchs to avoid using their positions to create division, but instead to work alongside the government to fulfill its promise of delivering democratic benefits to the people.

“I don’t want you to view this position as an opportunity to stir up trouble. While we have the power to withdraw your recognition, I have no intention of doing so. I want you to partner with us to ensure our continued success,” he said.

He also commended Governor Fubara for expanding the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.