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VENO TV | FEATURE AMANYANABO DOKUBO-ASARI TAKES ROYAL DIPLOMACY TO IFE, SEEKS HISTORIC CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC ALLIANCE WITH OONI From the Source of Elem Kalabari to the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, the royal visit strengthens inter-kingdom friendship ahead of the December 19 SE DIYE coronation ceremony.
Date: 24-10-26

By Al Humphrey Onyanabo

In a remarkable demonstration of royal diplomacy and cultural solidarity, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Amanyanabo of the Chiefdom and Principalities of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri of the Kingdom of Kalabari, has paid a historic visit to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The visit to the ancient city of Ile-Ife was aimed at strengthening cultural, historical and economic relationships between Elem Kalabari in Rivers State and the revered Yoruba traditional institution.
It also provided an opportunity for Amanyanabo Dokubo-Asari to personally invite the Ooni and his traditional council to SE DIYE, the final rites of his coronation, scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026, in Buguma, Rivers State.
Speaking during the royal audience, Dokubo-Asari explained that his visit was inspired by the cordial relationship already established between the two royal institutions.
He expressed appreciation for the friendship and extended a formal invitation to the Ooni and his council to participate in the historic coronation ceremony.

OONI WELCOMES DOKUBO-ASARI TO ANCESTRAL HOME
Receiving the visiting monarch at the Palace of Oduduwa, the Ooni warmly welcomed Dokubo-Asari and his entourage.
The Yoruba paramount ruler reportedly described his guest as a fearless personality, remarking that the fear of Asari Dokubo was the beginning of wisdom.
He commended Da Amakiri Tubo for the manner in which he has conducted his affairs since assuming the traditional leadership of Elem Kalabari.
The Ooni also acknowledged his guest's relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed appreciation for the bond of friendship between them.
He described Dokubo-Asari's visit to Ile-Ife as a homecoming and celebrated the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two historic institutions.
In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, the Ooni presented a bronze artwork to his royal visitor, explaining that it represented the importance of the people as the foundation of leadership and strength.
The elaborate reception featured traditional chiefs, priests and palace dignitaries who paid homage to the Ooni and offered prayers for his continued good health, longevity and peaceful reign.

TWO HISTORIC KINGDOMS, ONE VISION OF FRIENDSHIP
Beyond the colourful royal reception, the significance of the visit lies in the histories of the two traditional institutions.
Ile-Ife occupies a celebrated position in Yoruba history and spirituality as the ancestral cradle of Yoruba civilisation.
Elem Kalabari, on the other hand, represents an important centre of Kalabari historical identity, maritime commerce, cultural heritage and traditional governance in the Niger Delta.
The meeting between the two monarchs therefore presents an opportunity to strengthen relationships across geographical and cultural boundaries.
Although their histories and traditions differ, both institutions share responsibilities for preserving ancestral heritage, promoting cultural identity and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
A stronger relationship between Ile-Ife and Elem Kalabari could create opportunities for cultural exchanges, historical research, heritage tourism, educational partnerships and economic cooperation.

ROYAL DIPLOMACY EXTENDS TO SOKOTO AND NUPE KINGDOM
The visit to Ile-Ife follows other royal engagements undertaken by Da Amakiri Tubo ahead of his December coronation.
Earlier, the Amanyanabo visited His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and the Etsu Nupe.
During his visit to Sokoto, Dokubo-Asari personally invited the Sultan to attend SE DIYE, recalling their longstanding friendship and shared experiences during the Hajj pilgrimage.
The engagements demonstrate his determination to build relationships with prominent traditional institutions across Nigeria.
Through these visits, the forthcoming coronation is becoming more than a celebration of royal ascension. It is also serving as an opportunity to promote national understanding, cultural diplomacy and enduring inter-kingdom relationships.

SE DIYE: BUGUMA PREPARES FOR DECEMBER 19
Preparations are gathering momentum for SE DIYE, the final coronation rites of Da Amakiri Tubo as Amanyanabo of The Source, Elem Kalabari.
The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026, at King Amachree Memorial Hall, Buguma, Rivers State.
The event is expected to attract traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, cultural personalities and distinguished guests from different parts of Nigeria.
For the people of Elem Kalabari, the occasion will provide an opportunity to celebrate their rich traditional heritage, royal institution and historical contributions to the Niger Delta.
The participation of traditional rulers from other parts of Nigeria would further strengthen the national significance of the event.

BEYOND ROYAL CEREMONY: A FUTURE OF COOPERATION
The importance of the Ile-Ife visit extends beyond royal protocol and ceremonial exchanges.
It raises possibilities for lasting cooperation between the two communities, particularly in heritage preservation, tourism, historical documentation, creative enterprise and commerce.
Traditional institutions remain important custodians of cultural values and can play constructive roles in strengthening peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.
For Da Amakiri Tubo, the royal outreach represents another chapter in his emergence as a traditional ruler seeking to establish relationships beyond his immediate domain.
From the historic waterways of Elem Kalabari to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, the message of the visit is one of friendship, cultural respect and cooperation.
As December 19 approaches, the spotlight turns towards Buguma, where SE DIYE is expected to celebrate Kalabari royalty while providing another opportunity to strengthen relationships among Nigeria's traditional institutions.

DIGNITARIES IN THE ROYAL ENTOURAGE
Among those who accompanied Amanyanabo Dokubo-Asari were Prince Tonye T. J. T. Princewill, Paramount Head of the Queen Elebabene Da Ogo Group of Houses and Satellite Communities of Kalabari Kingdom; Hajia Ramat Dokubo-Asari; Hajia Halima Dokubo-Asari; Mallam Mustapha Wakama; Flora Ezeoko; Al Humphrey Onyanabo, The Storyteller; Prince Melford Princewill; Engr. Bashir Lawal; and Alhaji Sanni Kazeem Adebayo.

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