The descendant of a Nigerian prince who was buried in Frodsham visited his grave in the churchyard of St Laurence’s.

So JaJa, from the city-state of Opobo, is a relative of Prince Warabo – son of King JaJa – who was sent to the former Manor House School on Main Street in 1881 as a 13-year-old.


But the young prince tragically passed away just a year later.

After a game of cricket he suffered an acute inflammation of the lungs and was laid to rest in Frodsham on April 21, 1882.

So JaJa with parish administrator Pam Garner at his ancestor Prince Warabo's grave at St Laurence Church in Frodsham

Heather Prowling, from St Laurence Heritage Group, said: “We were absolutely delighted to meet a relative of Prince Warabo.

“The story is very well-known in Frodsham, but this was the first time anyone here had seen some of the photographs of King JaJa and his descendents which So brought to show us.

“We now feel we know much more about the context in which the little prince was sent here to be educated and hope that the information we exchange with his family will provide a permanent link between the town and his home in Opobo.”

So and his father, who is the current head of the JaJa clan, are working on a book about King JaJa, the political and cultural traditions of Opobo and the trade in palm oil with European merchants.

It is hoped his initial visit will be followed by others.

So JaJa with representatives of St Laurence Church and Frodsham and District History Society

A

Number one opobo queen.

People hardly cherish their history. A place were curruption is the order of the day.
ThankS Op