1870-2020
- It was celebration time as the historic kingdom of Opobo, rolled out the drums to cheers her 150 years of its existence.
- Anyone who is abreast with history must have read on Opobo, a kingdom whose name is closely associated with its founder, the great King Jaja.
- Occupying the Island of River Opobo in present-day Rivers state, the kingdom was established by the slave boy, Jubo Jubogha captured from the hinterlands of Igboland and sold to trading merchants in the Niger Delta during the slave trade.
- A civil war ensued in Bonny Island, leading to the breakaway of Jubo-Jubogha -led houses to Opobo River in 1869 and eventually the formation of Opubo Ama on December 25, 1870.
- An astute businessman with a diplomatic tact, Jubo-Jubogha (later renamed Jaja by the British) led Opobo Kingdom to wealth and prosperity, controlling the trade in palm produce in the then Oil Rivers Protectorate.
- In the era of gunboat diplomacy by the European trading companies, Opobo resisted the incorporation of its new found land into British expanding empires.
- Opobo Kingdom today stands tall as a historic emblem of African resistance to colonial rule.
- Shot onto the stage of glory by her reputation as a vibrant commercial center, the Island has endeared tourists attracted by its rich culture and traditions. Unscathed, uninterrupted, and eye-catching, these unique cultural practices showcased through cultural performances, masquerading and dances are an enthralling delight for visitors.
- Utilizing her geographical closeness to the water, her artistic boat regattas performed by the various quarters making up the kingdom are colorful and fascinating.
- While the celebration is a memorial of valiance, enterprise, culture and history, Opobo also promises a taste of its diverse finger-licking delicacies, a culinary adventure that leaves your mouth drooling and asking for more like the proverbial Oliver Twist.
The pictures of the founding fathers were on display for all to see. They are still recognized for their roles in founding Opubo-Ama 150 years earlier.
The First Brick House in Opobo
