Kalabari Kingdom Hosts Historic Monarch’s Installation, Boat Regatta

The Kalabari Kingdom has concluded a series of traditional rites culminating in the installation of Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari as a chief.

His father, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, who holds the titles Dabaye Amakiri I and Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, formally presented him to chiefs and the wider Kalabari nation after more than two months of customary processes.

In line with Kalabari tradition, the installation on Saturday followed a structured pathway that required presentation before chiefs of houses and families connected to the candidate’s paternal lineage. At each stage, his ancestry was verified and his conduct assessed before endorsement.

After the ceremony, King Dokubo-Asari expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “These past two months have been very hectic, but I am happy and proud that today finally came, and it was a great success. I thank all those who were part of this event,” he said.

Following the completion of the rites, he was installed to occupy his father’s personal chieftaincy stool, initiated in 2004, and is to bear the title Dokubo-Asari II.

The process began on January 17, 2026, with his presentation to the Edi Polo family at the Edi Polo Memorial Hall in Buguma. On January 24, he underwent the Polo Diye (compound presentation) at the Omubo Birinaomoni Memorial Hall, attended by numerous chiefs.

On February 27, he was presented at the Kariboye-Abi Princewill Memorial Hall. The event coincided with his father’s own presentation to the Abi Royal Family as part of coronation formalities.

Proceedings at the King Kariboye-Abu Princewill Amachree Memorial Hall were presided over by the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere. During the ceremony, traditional protocols were observed, including symbolic tests and endorsements by family chiefs.

Saturday’s event marked the Se Diye, the highest level of chieftaincy installation in the Kalabari tradition. At this stage, the candidate is presented before chiefs from across the kingdom for final affirmation.

Other chiefs presented at bthe ceremony included Alabo West Oburulele, Alabo Seliman of Sama, Alabo Ebi Robinson Braide, Alabo Obiobra Pankin Braide and Alabo Tubidikiba Braide, all from the Edi Compound.

The event in King Amachree Memorial Hall was attended by chiefs, dignitaries, diaspora representatives and residents. Cultural performances featured traditional drumming and dance displays by the Ogele Cultural Troupe of the Amanyanabo and members of the Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari Cultural Centre.

To conclude the installation, the kingdom staged a boat regatta, with decorated boats parading along the waterways in a display of Kalabari maritime heritage.

With the completion of the Se Diye, Alabo Briebibo Dienyefa Dokubo-Asari is recognised as a chief and entitled to wear the traditional Don attire associated with Kalabari chieftaincy.