Kalabari unites for historic coronation of Amanyanabo

The Amanyanabo of the Source, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, has inaugurated a Coronation Central Planning Committee made up of 16 units. The committee will coordinate preparations for his forthcoming Se Diye and coronation ceremonies, which are scheduled for December 19.

The Amanyanabo inaugurated the committee on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at his Ipokuma residence in Degema Consulate. He charged the members to work together and showcase the best of Kalabari culture, so that the coronation reflects the rich heritage, traditions and dignity of the Kalabari people. He explained that the committee was constituted to ensure effective planning and coordination of the activities linked to the coronation.

The event brought together prominent Kalabari personalities, traditional stakeholders and professionals. Many of them are members of the committee and have been given responsibilities covering different aspects of the programme.

Chief Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill is Chairman of the Central Planning Committee. Chief Dr David T. Briggs and Chief Dr Emi Membere-Otaji are Co-Chairmen. Dr Emi Iyalla is Secretary, while Alabo Daerefa-a Christopher Braide is Assistant Secretary.

The committee will coordinate activities across the three principal locations of Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama. Specialised units have been assigned to ensure that each part of the programme is carried out successfully. The units are Media and Publicity; Culture and Coronation; Transport and Logistics; External Relations; Contact and Mobilisation; Venue and Catering; Protocol and Access Control; Security; Accommodation; Finance; Souvenirs; Secretariat and Documentation; Boat Regatta; Kalabari Dancing; Environment and Works; and Medical Services. A Local Organising Committee (LOC) has also been constituted to complement the work of the Central Planning Committee.

Chief Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill chairs the Media and Publicity Unit, with Ib Dakoru as Vice Chairman. The members are Mustapha Wakama, Humphrey Onyanabo, Alabo Daerefa-a Braide, Isokariari Otonye Bob-Manuel, Alabo Wabiye Idoniboye-obu and Melford. The Culture and Coronation Unit is chaired by Chief Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, with Chief Kingsley Kio Young-Jack as Secretary. Se Alabo Prefaa Otaji and Se Alabo Prince Dateme are members.

Chief Dr David T. Briggs chairs the Transport and Logistics Unit, with Dennis Braide as Secretary. Emmanuel Horsfall and Opunabo Princewill are members. The External Relations Unit is chaired by Pope Tarsoo Linus, with Alhaji Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade (Sadauki Bauchi), Gary and Nasiru Danu as members.

Alhaji Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade (Sadauki Bauchi) chairs the Contact and Mobilisation Unit, with Pope Tarsoo Linus as Vice Chairman. The other members are Humphrey Onyanabo, Flora, Alabo Onimim Batubo, Hassan Mohammed Ndanusa, Yerima Shettima, Igo Aguma and Henry Wordu. In the Venue and Catering Unit, Boma has been assigned to Elem Kalabari and Buguma, while Flora covers Obuama and Degema. Alabo Lawrence Danagogo also serves in the unit.

Dr Dawari George chairs the Protocol and Access Control Unit. Its members are Barrister Joseph Charles Brown, Se Alabo Omonaa Amachree, Se Alabo Amakiri Flag Amachree, Dennis Braide and Orusoso Don Pedro. The Security Unit is chaired by Alabo CP (Rtd) Dr Selem Vincent Amachree, Esq. Its members are Obiobraa George (Holy Mallam), HRH Otonye Williams (Ododo), Alabo Ibim Miame, Tomitamunoa Erekosima (Obio Akpor), Banimibo-ofori Harry and the three Kalabari LGA Chairmen.

Dr Emi Iyalla chairs the Accommodation Unit, with Hajiya Halima and Alhaji Orlu Onyekachi (Haram De Sweet) as members. Stanley West chairs the Finance Unit, with Dr Emi Iyalla as a member. Boma chairs the Souvenirs Unit and is assisted by Crowther and Flora. Prince Dateme chairs the Secretariat and Documentation Unit, with Humphrey Onyanabo as Co-Chairman and Isokariari Otonye Bob-Manuel as Secretary.

Chief Lucky Brown chairs the Boat Regatta Unit. The members are Alabo Daogigo Amachree, Alabo Ikien Okorosa, Dr Adikibia Boyle, Opunabo Princewill, Sokeipriye Numbere, Endurance Henry and Alabo Adikiba Zeinas. Sokeipriye Numbere also chairs the Kalabari Dancing Unit, with Ibiso George as a member. The Environment and Works Unit is chaired by Songo Festus LongJohn (Adekunle), with Adokiye Princewill, Obelema Isokariari and Biokpomabo Princewill as members. Dr Opubo Idoniboye-obu chairs the Medical Services Unit, with Alabo Dr Ebi Robinson as a member.

The Local Organising Committee is headed by Amb Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa) as Chairman. Alabo JackLloyd Thomas is Vice Chairman, while Alabo Wabiye Idoniboye-obu is Secretary.

On the terms of reference, the Central Planning Committee has set clear guidelines to ensure coordination, accountability and collaboration among the units. Each unit comprises a Chairman, a Secretary and members, and the Chairman is responsible for the effective performance of the unit. All units are to report directly to the Central Planning Committee, which in turn reports to the Palace of the Amanyanabo of the Source, Dabaye Amakiri I.

Each unit must submit its detailed work plan and budget within seven days of its appointment. The Central Planning Committee will review and approve these documents. No unit may incur expenditure or make any financial commitment without the prior written approval of the Central Planning Committee. The units are also required to submit weekly progress reports.

The committee further directed that units should collaborate wherever their responsibilities overlap. This is meant to ensure harmony and avoid duplication, particularly in activities involving Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama.

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