Kalabari begins countdown to Dokubo-Asari coronation
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: The countdown to the Se Diye and coronation ceremonies of the Amanyanabo of the Source, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, has begun with the inauguration of a 16-unit Coronation Central Planning Committee.
The ceremonies are scheduled for December 19, 2026.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Amanyanabo of the Source, Alabo Daerefa-a Christopher Braide, the committee was constituted “to ensure effective planning and coordination of the various activities associated with the coronation.”
The Amanyanabo inaugurated the committee on Saturday, October 3, at his Ipokuma residence in Degema Consulate, where he charged members to work collectively “towards delivering a coronation that would reflect the rich cultural heritage, traditions and dignity of the Kalabari people.”
Chief Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill is chairman of the committee, while 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 inauguration brought together prominent Kalabari personalities, traditional stakeholders and professionals, who were assigned responsibilities covering various aspects of the coronation programme.
The committee will coordinate activities across three principal locations — Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama — with specialised units assigned specific responsibilities for the execution of the programme.
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. It is headed by Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa), with Alabo JackLloyd Thomas as vice chairman and Alabo Wabiye Idoniboye-obu as secretary.
Princewill also chairs the Media and Publicity Unit, with Ib Dakoru as vice chairman. Briggs chairs Transport and Logistics, with Dennis Braide as secretary, while Membere-Otaji heads Culture and Coronation, with Chief Kingsley Kio Young-Jack as secretary.
Pope Tarsoo Linus chairs the External Relations Unit, while Alhaji Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade (Sadauki Bauchi) chairs Contact and Mobilisation, with Linus as vice chairman.
Dr Dawari George chairs Protocol and Access Control.
The Security Unit is chaired by Alabo Commissioner of Police (rtd.), Dr Selem Vincent Amachree, with members including His Royal Highness Otonye Williams (Ododo), Alabo Ibim Miame and the three Kalabari local government area chairmen.
Dr Iyalla chairs Accommodation, while Stanley West heads Finance.
Prince Dateme heads Secretariat and Documentation, with Humphrey Onyanabo as co-chairman and Isokariari Otonye Bob-Manuel as secretary.
Chief Lucky Brown chairs the Boat Regatta Unit, while Sokeipriye Numbere heads the Kalabari Dancing Unit. Songo Festus LongJohn (Adekunle) chairs Environment and Works, while Dr Opubo Idoniboye-obu heads Medical Services.
Outlining the terms of reference, the statement said the committee had established guidelines to ensure effective coordination, accountability and collaboration among the various units.
Each unit comprises a chairman, secretary and members, with the chairman responsible for the effective performance of the unit.
The statement said all units were to report directly to the Central Planning Committee, which would in turn report to the Palace of the Amanyanabo of the Source, Dabaye Amakiri I.
Each unit is expected to submit its detailed work plan and budget within seven days of its appointment for review and approval by the Central Planning Committee.
The statement added that no unit was to 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 to the Central Planning Committee.
The committee further directed all units to collaborate where their responsibilities overlap to ensure harmony and avoid duplication, particularly in activities involving Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama.
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