Rivers: King Princewill For Burial Nov 30

Edith CHUKU

Preparations are in top gear for the burial of the longest-serving Monarch in Rivers State, His Serene Majesty, King T.J.T Princewill, Amachree the XI and Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom, in Asari Toru Local Government Area of the state.

King Princewill who died around June this year, will be buried on Thursday, November 30, 2023, according to Prince Tonye Princewill, his son and former gubernatorial candidate in the state.

 Already, the regent of Kalabari kingdom, Dr. Charles Numbere Princewill has inaugurated a central working committee alongside the subcommittee for the burial.

Members of the committee includes the first son of the late monarch, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill who is to serve as chairman of the central planning committee.

Also in the committee are Co-Chairman, Chief (Dr.) David T Briggs, Alternate Chairman I, Hon Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Alternate Chairman II, Hon Dr. Dax George Kerley, Secretary, Prof. Victor Omuaru, Chairman, Finance Committee, Chief (Dr.) Emi Membere Otaji, Chairman, Media and Publicity, Sir. Opunabo Inko -Tariah.

Other are Sen Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Hon Igo Aguma, Sen Seriake Dickson, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Rtd Navy Capt Ibim Princewill, Alhaji Nasiru Danu, Mrs. Betsy Godwin Obaseki, Mr. Segun Owolabi.

The late Kalabari king was born on the 4th day of January, 1930, in Buguma City, into the Royal Family of King & Queen Jacob Tom Princewill, Amachree the VII.

He is fondly referred to as His Serene Majesty following his peaceful disposition even in the face of persecution.

In a statement made available to TNN on Monday,  Princewill explained that the inauguration signalled the commencement of activities for the burial of the late monarch.

 He said “the burial will demonstrate unity, peace and will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kalabari kingdom.”

He noted that though it was a sad reality, but took heart in the knowledge that the King had lived a good life and left a legacy that will serve as a template for all to live.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration, Numbere Princewill said he was expecting maximum commitment with a view to having a Pan Kalabari Nation burial ceremony.

He added that “the burial celebration will foster peace and unity amongst Kalabari people and Ijaws in general.”

The co-chairman of the burial committee, Chief David Briggs said he was looking forward to the responsibility and he expected the entire Kalabari Nation to now participate fully with a view to having a befitting burial ceremony for the late Monarch. He commended the work done so far and said it was very clear that the Kingdom was awake.

Meanwhile, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, D B Kaladokubo on his part assured that he would, “ensure that the Christians in Rivers state turn out to honour a King who was truly deserving.”