The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali, has described the late Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, as a committed leader who consistently supported the development of the Niger Delta region.
Ambassador Igali made the remark when he led members of the PANDEF National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees (BOT), and other stakeholders to the monarch’s funeral service at the Anglican Church in Opobo ancestral town, Rivers State.
He noted that the late monarch was a regular attendee at PANDEF activities, including BOT meetings in Abuja, and remained actively involved in advancing the region’s interests.
The PANDEF Chairman stated that one of the monarch’s last public outings was the church service of the late PANDEF National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, held in Kigbodo, Delta State, last year.
Ambassador Igali also highlighted the monarch’s role in PANDEF’s 2024 delegation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where the group presented an eight-point demand aimed at promoting development in the Niger Delta.
He further praised the late king’s contributions during his tenure as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and as Chancellor of the University of Jos.
Ambassador Igali said the monarch lived a fulfilled life of service and dedication to his people and the Niger Delta region.
The late monarch, who was also a member of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, passed on earlier this year.
