The apex sociocultural organisation of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Nigeria, the Ijaw National Congress, INC, led by its President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has praised the late Amayanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, Amachree the XI, His Serene Majesty, King Prof. T. J. T. Princewill, JP, CFR, for the giant stride and contributions of His Majesty towards the growth and development of the Ijaw Nation and the country at large.

The INC made the pronouncement, Friday, October 20, when its President, Prof. Okaba, along with his national executive and other prominent members paid a condolence visit to the Regent, Chief Dr. T.N. Princewill Amachree, the Kalabari Se kobiri at the ancient City of Buguma, headquarters of Asari Toru and the Kalabari Kingdom, on the demise of the Amayanabo of Kalabari Kingdom.

It would be recalled that in a statement issued on Sunday, June 18, 2023, the son of the late Amayanabo, Prince Tonye Princewill, on behalf of the family, had officially announced the passing of his father and revered traditional ruler to join their ancestors.

The statement reads in part “The King has departed, long live the Kingdom. It is with a very heavy heart that I am formally announcing the departure of my father, our King and His Serene Majesty, King Prof. T.J.T Princewill, Amachree the XI and Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom. He was not just my father; he was also my best friend. Earlier today, the Buguma Council of Chiefs and the Kalabari Council of Chiefs were formally briefed, all in accordance with Kalabari tradition, thereby opening the door to our now officially informing the world, as the cart cannot be put before the horse."

Prof. Okaba, in his condolence speech to the royal family, the council of chiefs, and the people of Kalabari Kingdom said "we are not only here to sympathise with the Kalabari people, but also to empathise with them, for the giant stride and contributions of the late King in the growth and development of Ijaw Nation and the country at large."

His Royal Highness King N. L. A. Iraron Ede Obolo, the second Chairman of INC Eastern Zone, through the Publicity Secretary of the zone, Chief Ibiosiya Nath-Sukubo, also offered his condolence as he was unavoidably absent during the visit.

In his response, the Kalabari Regent expressed his joy on the visit and stated that the INC will be bona-fidely informed of the burial date with plans for their adequate participation. He later treated the INC President and his entourage to a warm reception at his residence.

Those present at the condolence visit include HRH King Kroma Amabibi Eleki Amayejeke Sara XIV, Amayanabo of Kula and Deputy Chairman CTRE; HR Alabo Dr. Ayanate Kio Atabilaye Dia III, Leader NRC; High Chief Philip Agu, National Treasurer, INC; Chief Ken Odiowei, National Financial Secretary, INC; Mrs. Peremo Opia, National Welfare Secretary, INC; Barr. (Mrs.) Bomo Tom Fitepigi, National Legal Adviser, INC.

Others are Mrs. Alali Danagogo, National Women Affairs Secretary, INC; Chief Ibiosiya Nath-Sukubo, Zonal Publicity Secretary East, INC; Chief Hon. Abiye Davies, Zonal Auditor East; Comr. Karibo Lawrence, Zonal Treasurer East; Comr. Jim Opiki, Leader, General Assembly INC; Chief Ikien Okorosa, Chairman, Kalabari Clan INC; Chief Dawari Dan Douglas, Chairman, Buguma Chapter INC; and Daniel Danielson Romeo, INC Chieftain.

His Serene Majesty, King Prof. T.J.T Princewill JP, CFR, traditionally installed King Amachree XI on March 23, 2002, is the first professor to become a king of the Kalabari Kingdom and by extension Rivers State. His Serene Majesty was appointed Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers on January 1, 2010 by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, thus becoming the first Professor King to be Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers as well as the first king of Kalabari extraction to be Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. Until his demise, the late Amayanabo of Kalabari Kingdom was a member of the Conference of Traditional Rulers and Elders (CTRE) in the INC.

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