Nigerian traditional institution puts African heritage, culture and Pan-African identity in the spotlight
Kalabari Kingdom Prepares for Historic December Coronation
The Kalabari Kingdom in Nigeria is preparing for the coronation of the Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, scheduled for 19 December 2026.
The coronation is set to be a significant cultural occasion, bringing together traditional leaders, community stakeholders, dignitaries and visitors while placing the history and cultural heritage of the Kalabari people in the spotlight.
Preparations formally began with the inauguration of a Coronation Central Planning Committee by the Amanyanabo on Saturday, 3 October, at his Ipokuma residence in Degema.
The monarch urged committee members to ensure that the coronation reflects the heritage, traditions and dignity of the Kalabari people.
Beyond the ceremony itself, the event offers an opportunity to explore broader conversations around Pan-Africanism, African identity and the preservation of indigenous heritage. Traditional institutions across the continent continue to play a role in keeping languages, customs, art forms and historical narratives connected to their communities and future generations.
A kingdom rooted in West African history
The Kalabari are an Ijaw people from the eastern Niger Delta. For centuries, the Kalabari Kingdom was one of West Africa's important coastal trading states. European merchants referred to the area as “New Calabar”, and the kingdom became part of the region's wider Atlantic commerce, including the palm oil trade during the 19th century.
Elem Kalabari, meaning “Old Kalabari”, is the ancestral island seat of the kingdom. Following internal conflict in the late 19th century, sections of the population dispersed and established communities including Buguma, Abonnema and Bakana.
The title “Amanyanabo of the Source” reflects the significance of Elem Kalabari as the original home of the kingdom.
The December coronation is expected to provide an opportunity to reconnect with this history while celebrating the cultural traditions that continue to define the Kalabari people.
Celebrating Kalabari culture
Among the cultural traditions expected to feature prominently are traditional masquerades, colourful boat regattas and pelete bite, a distinctive form of cut-thread textile art.
These traditions form part of a wider African cultural landscape in which music, dance, textiles, ceremony and storytelling continue to preserve community identity and historical memory.
For audiences beyond Nigeria, the coronation also offers a window into a lesser-known aspect of West African heritage and the diversity of traditional institutions across the continent.
Coronation committee brings together royal, community and professional leadership
Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill chairs the Central Planning Committee. A prince of the Kalabari royal house, Princewill is an investor, politician, film producer and philanthropist. Born in the United Kingdom, he is the son of the late King (Prof.) T.J.T. Princewill, Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom of the Amachree Dynasty.
He is supported by two Co-Chairmen, Chief Dr David T. Briggs and Chief Dr Emi Membere-Otaji OON.
Briggs is a community leader and former chair of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), while Membere-Otaji is a medical doctor, entrepreneur and former Commissioner for Health in Rivers State. He is also Chairman and CEO of the Elshcon Group, which has interests in oil and gas, shipping, healthcare and ocean fishing.
Dr Emi Iyalla, founder of Skillworks, a Nigerian skills analysis and training firm, and author of Skills That Pay the Bills, serves as Secretary of the Central Planning Committee.
Sixteen specialised units will coordinate preparations across Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama. Their areas of responsibility include media and publicity, culture and coronation rites, protocol, security and logistics, accommodation, the boat regatta, cultural dancing and medical services.
A Local Organising Committee (LOC) will support the Central Planning Committee. It is chaired by Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich, with Alabo Wabiye Idoniboye-obu, a strategic communications and destination management professional, serving as Secretary.
A celebration of African heritage
The 19 December coronation is expected to showcase the history, traditions and cultural heritage of the Kalabari people while bringing together communities and visitors for a landmark celebration in Elem Kalabari.
At a time when conversations around African identity, cultural preservation and Pan-African connections continue to grow, the event provides an opportunity to look at how traditional institutions can contribute to preserving and celebrating the continent's diverse cultural heritage.
The coronation also presents an opportunity to explore cultural connections across the continent and the many histories, traditions and communities that form part of Africa's shared heritage.
*Information provided by the publicist.
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