The Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, has visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to strengthen cultural and economic relations between the Kalabari Kingdom and Ile-Ife.
Dokubo-Asari also invited the Ooni and his council to attend the final rites of his coronation, known as SE DIYE, scheduled for December 19, 2026, in Buguma, Rivers State.
The visit is part of a series of engagements with traditional rulers ahead of the ceremony, following earlier visits to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Etsu Nupe.
Speaking during the visit, Dokubo-Asari said his relationship with the Ooni informed his decision to extend the invitation.
“It is based on the cordial relationship that we have built that I am here today to invite His Imperial Majesty and his council to my SE DIYE, the final rites of coronation on December 19, 2026, in Buguma,” he said.
The Ooni welcomed Dokubo-Asari to his palace in Ile-Ife and described him as a fearless person, saying, “the fear of Asari Dokubo is the beginning of wisdom.”
He also commended the Kalabari monarch for the way he had handled his affairs since ascending the throne and thanked him for the relationship and goodwill he had extended to President Bola Tinubu.
The Ooni further described the visit as a homecoming for Dokubo-Asari and presented him with a bronze artwork, which he said symbolised the importance of people as a source of strength.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on cultural exchange, historical documentation, heritage tourism and economic cooperation between the two traditional institutions.
Ile-Ife is widely regarded in Yoruba tradition as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, while Elem Kalabari has a history shaped by maritime trade, traditional governance and cultural relations in the Niger Delta.
Dokubo-Asari’s visits to the Ooni, the Sultan of Sokoto and the Etsu Nupe are aimed at strengthening ties between the Elem Kalabari traditional institution and other historic kingdoms across the country ahead of the coronation.
The SE DIYE ceremony is scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at King Amachree Memorial Hall, Buguma, Rivers State.
Members of Dokubo-Asari’s entourage included Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, Paramount Head of the Queen Elebabene Da Ogo group of houses and satellite communities of the Kalabari Kingdom; Hajia Ramat Dokubo-Asari; Hajia Halima Dokubo-Asari; Mallam Mustapha Wakama; Flora Ezeoko; Alhaji Humphrey Onyanabo; Prince Melford Princewill; Engineer Bashir Lawal; and Alhaji Sanni Kazeem Adebayo.
