King Dokubo-Asari makes Triumphant Entry into Elem Kalabari, explains why he is Dabaye Amakiri 1 By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo

Da-Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, ( Dabaye Amakiri 1) Amanyanabo of the Source( Elem Kalabari)
this morning made a triumphant entry into his kingdom accompanied by Ekine Sekiapu who performed the traditional kingship rites as dictated by Kalabari custom and tradition.
Also in town were colourfully dressed men and women who took the one hour boat ride to be part of the making of history history.

The convoy of speedboats took off from Degema jetty at about 8:30am, did a brief stop at Buguma before proceeding to Elem Kalabari, also known as Old Shipping.
Elem Kalabari also known as the Source is the cradle of Kalabari development, it was the first settlement of the kalabari nation at inception before they dispersed into various towns and communities as it is known today for economic and social considerations.

In the old Da-Amakiri House the members of the Ekine Sekiapu sect performed the cultural rites.

The brand new Amanyanabo of the Source also disclosed why he chose the title of Dabaye Amakiri 1.
“The original founder of the Kalabari Kingdom was called Dabaye Amakiri, and when he became Amanyanabo he took the title of King Amachree instead of Amakiri, and subsequently all other kings after after him took the Amachree title. So for the original name of our founding father not to be forgotten, I am going back to the very beginning to revive his name that is why I am now Dabaye Amakiri 1.”

The trip by Da-Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari is also to fully take hold of the reins of the town and also to plot the transformation of the land into an economically vibrant and modern city.

By birth a prince and a descendant of Da-Amakiri the founder of Kalabari Kingdom and kings and
Although Dokubo-Asari’s new title as Amanyanabo of the Source (Elem Kalabari) traditionally warrants the honorific “His Royal Majesty,” he’s chosen a different path. Instead, he prefers to be addressed as Da-Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, emphasizing his unique identity and cultural heritage.

Da-Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari’s decision to retain this humble title despite being elevated to Amanyanabo of the Source (Elem Kalabari) speaks volumes about his character. This move is a testament to his rebellious and non-conformist nature, which has defined his 30-year career as a campaigner against dictatorships, bad governance, and resource control.

By choosing to be addressed as Da-Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, he’s sending a powerful message to his grassroots supporters and base that despite his newfound status, he remains committed to their cause and is still one of them in body and spirit.

This stance is particularly significant given his history of fighting for the rights of the Niger Delta people. Dokubo-Asari’s unwavering dedication to justice and equality has earned him a reputation as a champion of the marginalized, and his refusal to adopt a more regal title is a reflection of his continued commitment to these values.

For the town’s people, his installation as Amanyanabo of The Source (Elem Kalabari) is the answer to their prayers,
” for so long we have been in darkness and we have been praying because this place has been abandoned but his arrival as Amanyanabo means light has come and we are filled with joy.”
Another said,
” for a long time we have been praying for a deliverer, today God has answered our prayers of many years and sent us a Moses. We are overjoyed.”

Addressing the large assemblage inside the ancient Da-Amakiri House which he regretted had been abandoned and neglected over the years , he took the crowd into a historical excursion of the founding of the Kalabari kingdom up to the time when the ancient fathers dispersed to find new towns in their present settlement.
He said,

“My first priority is to bring all Kalabari together, the next is to make sure an amanyanabo of Kalabari is installed . I will work under the regent of the Kalabari kingdom to strengthen and protect his position . Inside the Ekine Sekiapu which I belong, I will continue to work under the opu EDI and we will re establish the Kalabari ekine here.
What we are about to do here no body has envisioned . The wealth we are trying to bring here no body in Kalabari kingdom has envisioned it.”