By: Al Humphrey Onyanabo
His Royal Majesty, King (Dr.) Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru, CON, Mingi XII, the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, has commended Amanyanabo Dokubo-Asari for his decades of agitation and advocacy for the Niger Delta, particularly his efforts to bring the challenges and grievances of the region to national attention.
The monarch made the commendation when Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri 1, Amakiri Ekpeke, Sebromabo. The Amanyanabo of The Chiefdom and Principalities of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri, visited his palace in Port Harcourt on Tuesday to personally invite him to SE DIYE, the final rites of his coronation, scheduled for December 19, 2026, at King Amachree Memorial Hall, Buguma.
After the traditional presentation of drinks and a warm reception for the visiting monarch and his entourage, King Daukoru reflected on Dokubo-Asari’s long years of activism and the personal risks associated with his struggle.
“We have had positive encounters. You have been at the forefront of the fight for the Niger Delta for many years. This has involved threats to your life, property, businesses and those close to you,” he said.
He called for stronger relationships among Ijaw kingdoms, expressing concern that their shared heritage had not always translated into meaningful cooperation.
“We all belong to the larger Ijaw Kingdom. It is annoying that we don’t build upon our relationship. I am expecting we would do a bit better than before now.”
Describing Dokubo-Asari’s emergence as Amanyanabo as a significant personal milestone, the Nembe monarch said his new position placed him among a distinguished fellowship of traditional rulers.
“This is a foremost stool. It takes a man of conviction and courage to accept this stool.”
He also encouraged Amanyanabo Dokubo-Asari to become actively involved in the South-South Monarchs Forum and use his traditional position to advocate against the marginalisation and economic injustices suffered by the people of the region.
“We must ensure that those exploiting our resources adequately compensate our people,” he stressed.
In formally welcoming him into the fellowship of Amanyanabos, King Daukoru remarked: “As the old warriors get tired, the young lions are let loose. I am glad you have joined the club, and I welcome you.”
Responding, Amanyanabo Dokubo-Asari recalled the personal kindness King Daukoru extended to him during the difficult years of the Niger Delta struggle, even when such support could have placed the monarch’s public position at risk.
“I and Daddy have come a long way. Even at the risk of his job, when I was a prisoner and he was a Minister, he showed me love and care. There is no day you will see me that you will not advise me. I will be coming regularly from now on to take advice. This is my house. I come here, I eat. My wife, Mama Luta, this is also her house.”
He also expressed condolences to the monarch over the death of one of his sons.
King Daukoru, a distinguished geologist and statesman, has had a remarkable career spanning the petroleum industry, national public service and international energy diplomacy. He served as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Secretary-General of OPEC before ascending the ancient throne of Nembe Kingdom in 2008.
The monarch promised to attend SE DIYE with a high-powered delegation of chiefs, making the visit a successful reunion of old friends, an affirmation of shared Ijaw identity and a significant endorsement of Amanyanabo Dokubo-Asari’s new traditional responsibilities.
