The traditional ruler of Elem-Kalabari in Rivers State, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, has denied speculations that he is aspiring to become the next Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom.
The last traditional ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom, King Theophilus Princewill, who died in 2022 was buried on November 30, 2023 jointly by over 30 communities that make up the kingdom.
Dokubo-Asari spoke on Saturday while inaugurating his coronation committee at Degema Consulate, headquarters of Degema local government area of Rivers State.
The committee will be chaired by former Rivers State Commissioner of Works, Chief David Briggs while former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji and philanthropist, Prince Tonye Princewill will serve as co-chairmen.
The monarch said, “What we are doing here has nothing with the stool of Amanyanabo of Kalabari.I don’t desire to be Amanyanabo of Kalabari. I will work with whoever becomes the Amanyanabo of Kalabari.
“If you are contesting for the Amanyanabo stool, follow the right process. We have to work together to install our Amanyanabo. What we are doing today is to let people know that we are Kalabari people and we are proud of ourselves.
“We want our children to know where they come from. We will work together and install our Amanyanabo. We want to inspire the Kalabari people; they should aspire higher than they are now.”
Dokubo-Asari expressed regrets that his position as a traditional ruler has slowed him down in his activities, insisting that he never wanted to the Amanyanabo of Elem-Kalabari.
“I never aspired to become Amanyanabo. It will slowe me down, it will weigh me down. It has tried to change me from who I am. I love Kalabari more than my life. I have eight other siblings but I am the only one out. I have been involved in all Kalabari wars even when I have nothing. I have put my life at stake for Kalabari.
“As nature will have it and as God has decided, I am the Amanyanabo of Elem-Kalabari. I am not a king; there is only one king in Kalabari. Today, there are too many kings in Kalabariland but let’s remember that a house divided unto itself cannot stand,” he said.
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