Dokubo-Asari Archives - SocietyGazette.com

AMANYANABO DOKUBO-ASARI MEETS GOV. BAGO, INVITES HIM TO SE DIYE IN BUGUMA

Niger State governor congratulates Elem Kalabari monarch, promises to honour invitation as preparations intensify for December 19 coronation; journey to the throne reflects a remarkable passage through activism, sacrifice and traditional service

By: Al Humphrey Onyanabo

As preparations intensify for SE DIYE, the landmark final coronation rites of the Amanyanabo of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri the monarch is extending his hand of fellowship across Nigeria, bringing old friendships, enduring relationships and the prospect of national unity into the heart of the forthcoming royal celebration.

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, has met with the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, to extend a personal invitation to attend SE DIYE, scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026, at King Amachree Memorial Hall, Buguma, Rivers State.

The meeting brought together two old friends whose relationship is founded on mutual respect and personal regard. During the engagement, Governor Bago congratulated the monarch on his forthcoming final coronation rites and promised to honour the invitation by joining the people of Elem Kalabari for the historic occasion.

The governor’s response adds to the growing anticipation surrounding SE DIYE, which is being positioned as a gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, public officials, cultural figures and distinguished Nigerians from across the country.

For Da Amakiri Tubo, the outreach is about more than assembling dignitaries for a royal ceremony. It reflects his desire to make SE DIYE an inclusive celebration of friendship, cultural identity, shared history and the relationships that connect Nigerians across ethnic, religious and geographical boundaries.

A KING WHOSE JOURNEY REFLECTS THE MANY LAYERS OF NIGERIAN PUBLIC LIFE

The story of Da Amakiri Tubo is inseparable from the turbulent political and social history of the Niger Delta.

He is a prominent Niger Delta figure whose public life has traversed religion, activism, political agitation, imprisonment and, ultimately, traditional leadership. His name has remained closely associated with the region’s struggles over resource control, political representation, identity and the relationship between the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state.

His journey to the throne represents a significant transition in a life shaped by public controversy, political conviction and service to his people. The emergence of a figure long associated with activism into one of the highest traditional positions within the Kalabari cultural institution places his reign at the intersection of contemporary political history and inherited tradition.

For his supporters, this transition represents a return to the ancestral foundations of the people he has long identified with. It also presents an opportunity to redirect the influence accumulated over decades of public engagement towards cultural preservation, traditional governance and the responsibilities of leadership.

The significance of his forthcoming final coronation rites lies in this convergence of personal history and collective heritage. SE DIYE will mark not merely another stage in a traditional process, but a defining moment in the public and cultural journey of a man whose life has taken him through several important chapters of Nigeria’s national story.

THE ROAD TO THE THRONE: SERVICE, SACRIFICE AND TRADITION

Da Amakiri Tubo’s emergence as Amanyanabo followed a sequence of traditional appointments, selections and official recognition.

On November 1, 2023, he was made Head of the Edi Abali Group of Houses. Eight days later, on November 9, 2023, he performed SE DIYE as Alabo Edi Abali, marking an important milestone in his progression within the Kalabari traditional institution.

Edi Abali is one of the prominent war canoe houses in Kalabari history. Its heritage is associated with Alabo Inabioboari Braide, remembered in Kalabari historical accounts as the first Prime Minister of the Kalabari state. The house occupies an important place in the traditional political and cultural history of the kingdom.

On May 23, 2024, the King Abbi Royal House chose Da Amakiri Tubo as Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari. On the same date, the Kalabari Se Kobiri also chose him as Amakiri Ekpeke, a designation understood as the shield and defender of the Kalabari people.

These developments marked a decisive stage in his journey towards the traditional leadership of The Source.

The Rivers State Government subsequently recognised his position on October 8, 2024. On December 31, 2024, Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented him with the Staff of Office, providing formal state recognition of his traditional authority.

His adoption of the title Dabaye Amakiri I further connected his reign to the historical traditions and cultural identity of the Kalabari people.

The sequence of events illustrates the different stages through which his traditional position developed, from leadership of a prominent house to selection by the relevant traditional institutions and subsequent government recognition.

His forthcoming SE DIYE ceremony is therefore being presented as the culmination of a journey through traditional responsibilities and royal rites, reaffirming his place within the ancestral institution of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri.

A GROWING LIST OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

The list of dignitaries expected or invited to attend SE DIYE continues to attract national attention.

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, are among the distinguished personalities whose attendance is being anticipated. Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, F.C.T. Minister, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his wife are also among the prominent figures associated with the forthcoming celebration.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who formally presented Da Amakiri Tubo with his Staff of Office, is the chief host for the occasion.

The anticipated gathering is expected to bring together traditional rulers, serving and former public officeholders, political leaders, cultural custodians and other distinguished guests whose presence would reflect the wider significance being attached to the ceremony.

As invitations continue to reach prominent Nigerians, the event is taking shape as an opportunity to bring together people from different walks of life in celebration of Elem Kalabari’s traditional heritage.

SE DIYE holds on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at King Amachree Memorial Hall, Buguma, Rivers State.

Dokubo-Asari, Receives Staff of Office as Amanyanabo of the Source(Elem Kalabari)

In a historic ceremony held today, Dec 31st, 2024, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Da-Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, ( Dabaye Amakiri 1) formally received the staff of office as the Amanyanabo of the Source (Elem Kalabari) from Governor Siminlayi Fubara.

Elem Kalabari, renowned as the cradle of Kalabari development, holds a revered place in the annals of Kalabari history and socio-political development. As the first settlement of the founding fathers of the Kalabari Kingdom, it served as the genesis of the kingdom’s growth, preceding the dispersion of its people into present-day settlements.

During the ceremony, Da-Amakiri Tubo, Dokubo-Asari, expressed his profound gratitude to Governor Fubara for the esteemed honor bestowed upon him. He pledged to utilize his position to foster and promote the social, cultural, and economic growth of the Kalabari Kingdom, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of his people.
He said,
”
I am lost for words. This honour is of great joy to me and I thank our dynamic Governor, Sir Siminlayi Fubara for the honour and privilege to serve the Kalabari kingdom in this capacity.”

On arrival at Obuama, a large crowd of men and women gathered at the entrance into the town to welcome him with drums and singing accompanying his convoy all the way.
when he got to his residence, overwhelmed by the joy and crowd, he shed a few tears. It was an emotional moment. A few others in the crowd joined.

With over 30 years of experience fighting injustice, environmental degradation, and advocating for resource control in the Niger Delta, Dokubo-Asari’s elevation provides a broader platform for him to provide leadership and guidance to his community. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of the region has earned him recognition as a champion of human rights and a steadfast advocate for the Niger Delta people.

Throughout his journey, Dokubo-Asari has faced numerous challenges, including multiple arrests and imprisonments. He spent over 12 months in solitary confinement, a testament to his unyielding spirit and determination. Despite these hardships, he remains a pathfinder, champion, and motivator for Niger Delta youths worldwide, inspiring generations to strive for a brighter future.

As Da-Amakiri Tubo, Dokubo-Asari, embarks on this new chapter, he is poised to build upon his legacy, fostering growth, development, and prosperity for the Kalabari Kingdom. His leadership and vision will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the region, cementing his place as a revered figure in the annals of Kalabari history.

DOKUBO-ASARI IS NOT AGAINST PROTEST BUT ANARCHY -Arch Tom Inko- Tariah

DOKUBO-ASARI IS NOT AGAINST PROTEST BUT ANARCHY
-Arch Tom Inko- Tariah

Arch Tom Inko- Tariah, President of the
DWELLERS OF COASTAL AND WATERWAYS COMMUNITIES OF AFRICA (DCWCA) has described as untrue and mischievous representations in the media space that Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, champion of Resource control and minority rights is against the present protests in Nigeria.
According to Arch Tariah, mischief makers on social media cut, pasted and edited a lengthy speech given by the Alabo Edi Abali of Kalabari Kingdom at a recent NDDC event in Port Harcourt to give it a different connotation.

In a statement issued by Arch Tom Inko Tariah says claims suggesting that Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, the prominent advocate for minority rights in the Niger Delta is wrong, he stressed that Dokubo-Asari known for his lifelong dedication to fighting for the people cannot change at this stage of his life,

“what he is actually against is anarchy and any attempts to overthrow an elected government through a coup.”

Tariah highlighted Dokubo-Asari’s unwavering commitment to standing by the people and fighting for justice and equality throughout his career. He noted that while Dokubo-Asari may have expressed concerns about the potential for violence and chaos during the protests, his stance is rooted in a desire to uphold democratic principles and prevent any destabilization of the country.
The full video of his speech is hereby included with the transcript.

” Let me tell you something. Don’t pretend about it. We are all sitting here peacefully. It will be good for you to visit Liberia, visit Somalia…visit Venezuela. I was in Libya, I was a friend of Ghaddafi, I lived in Libya. Libya was paradise. Today Libya is hell-fire. Ninety percent of those who led the anarchy against Ghaddafi are all dead.
Let nobody decieve you that there will be a peaceful protest. It’s not a protest. It’s a call to anarchy. Have you read the ten point demand? A change of government, a change of constitution, and a change of this and that. Is that demand for good governance? That is a coup and we will resist it.
People have been hungry and this is not the first time. Nobody is happy that people are hungry. We are all working so that the burden on the shoulder of the people will be lifted and carried away.
The President has done this. The President is doing this. He is not doing that. When a government comes to power, we seize to be political party members. We seize to be PDP or APC or YPP or any other political party. We all now have a party called Nigeria. Party Nigeria, that’s what we are and we must all work, no religion says you must pray for your government to fail. Anywhere you see a small thing for your government to fail, immediately you jump in, the government must fail . This government will not fail. This government will stand. We might have differences. We must tell those in government that if you are in government, you must not use your power in government to suppress people, to cause anarchy.
There are people in government and say we will deal with you. But na me dey tell you say you no fit deal with me. So those who think they can deal with us should not spoil the government of Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Me, I have known Ahmed Bola Tinubu, I know him to his bedroom. And I know there is no President that has come to this country that is like Ahmed Bola Tinubu. All of you know I don’t flatter people. In fact, I specialize in abusing people. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Sammy Ugbuku and Dennis Otauru and others were in the trenches with us. This is the first time that a President that is one of us is in Aso Rock and that is why we must support him because we know he is dealing with people who do not understand what we went through and what we are. We have paid our price from June 12 till today. We have gone to prison, we have been underground, we have been buried alive. We have every right to earn our respect. And we are telling you, don’t go .
What they want to come and do is to blow pipelines, to intercept trucks, trucking. To intercept barging, barges. You heard what happened in Imo State yesterday where they killed police officers, that is what they want to do and we must resist them. We must not allow them to bring their anarchy here, but if you get stronghead,you bring am, I no be Tinubu, I no dey government, I no be Chief of Army Staff, I no be IG of Police, if you do anyhow, you go see anyhow. Don’t bring your protest here. The protest does not concern us. And anywhere you are doing your protest, I dey there and you are doing your protest abd I know your protest will be a threat to me, I will be a threat to you. That is it. I am not going to romance my words. I am not going to do si si si with you. I am not a sisi. My name is Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and I am going to live up to my name and I will stand firm. I am not doing it because Bola Ahmed Tinubu will give me anything. I am doing it be because I believe if I don’t do it, my life will be in danger, the lives of my children will be in danger and the lives of my compatriots, all of you who are here will also be in danger. It is wrong for us to be part of or even conceive this protest. Those who have lost elections should prepare for 2027. Thank you.”

Tariah added,
“Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari has always been a champion for the rights of the marginalized communities in the Niger Delta and beyond. His focus has been on addressing systemic injustices and promoting peaceful resolutions to grievances,” Tariah stated. “It is crucial to understand that his concerns lie not with the legitimate grievances of the protesters but with the dangers of anarchy and attempts to subvert the democratic process through unconstitutional means.”

Tariah emphasized the need to differentiate between peaceful protests and actions that could lead to violence or threaten the stability of the country. He underscored Dokubo-Asari’s advocacy for a strategic, organized approach to effecting change, rather than resorting to chaos or lawlessness that could undermine the progress made in advancing the rights of all Nigerians.

“Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari’s stance against anarchy and a coup should be viewed in the context of his deep-seated commitment to the welfare and future of all Nigerians, especially those who have long been marginalized. His position reflects a dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that democratic institutions remain intact,” Tariah clarified.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the multifaceted challenges facing the country, voices like Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari’s play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and advocating for peaceful solutions. By engaging in constructive discourse and upholding the values of justice, equality, and democracy, they contribute to building a more just and inclusive society for all.