King Jaja of Opobo (1821-1891), the wealthiest and most powerful monarch in the Niger Delta and sole founder of Opobo, was Igbo.
Born in his native Umuduruoha, Amaigbo, present-day Imo State, and named Mbanaso Okwaraozurumbaa at birth, he was captured by slave traders and sold into captivity in Bonny at the age of 12, where he earned his way out of slavery having also adopted the Ijaw-Ibani culture.
Though he generated astounding wealth for Bonny, when that kingdom’s throne became vacant, his quest to vie for it was politically checkmated by a fellow wealthy slave (wealth was a deciding factor in monarchy).
Thus, he left with his supporters to establish a new town, Opobo, near Andoni. Bonny and its affiliated British merchants would come to regret that day.
The new development Jaja (aka Jubo Jubogha) relocated to in 1869, was named Opobo and the location was strategically positioned that he could transact first-hand with both national and international merchants, effectively becoming a monopolist in the oil palm trade.
Trade and the resultant wealth exploded so much so that his former British trading partners lost £100,000 (in 1870), and Bonny pleaded with him to return (which he refused).
He then came to the attention of Queen Victoria who, impressed by his influence, recognised him as King of Opobo in 1873 and also personally presented him with a sword in Buckingham Palace in 1875 after he sent troops to assist Britain in the Ashante War.
The Scramble for Africa began in the 19th century. Jaja was infamous for resisting foreign political and economic influence and he kept taxing the British merchants much to their indignation.
Greed and the fear of Jaja’s influence led the new Consul-General, to invite Jaja out of his kingdom and on board a ship, ”The Goshawk”, for trade discussions.
Once on board, a deportation order was served on him. He was illegally tried and convicted in Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, in 1887, and exiled to Saint Vincent in the distant West Indies and to be later relocated to Barbados.
His pleas to return to his kingdom were granted in 1891. Unfortunately, he died in Tenerife, en route to Opobo, after being allegedly poisoned with a cup of tea. After his death, the influence of Opobo died with him.
Jaja’s body was received with much sorrow by his people who gave him a full, honourable royal burial. He was 70.
King Jaja of Opobo (1821-1891), the wealthiest and most powerful monarch in the Niger Delta and sole founder of Opobo, was Igbo.
Born in his native Umuduruoha, Amaigbo, present-day Imo State, and named Mbanaso Okwaraozurumbaa at birth, he was captured by slave traders and sold into captivity in Bonny at the age of 12, where he earned his way out of slavery having also adopted the Ijaw-Ibani culture.
Though he generated astounding wealth for Bonny, when that kingdom’s throne became vacant, his quest to vie for it was politically checkmated by a fellow wealthy slave (wealth was a deciding factor in monarchy).
Thus, he left with his supporters to establish a new town, Opobo, near Andoni. Bonny and its affiliated British merchants would come to regret that day.
The new development Jaja (aka Jubo Jubogha) relocated to in 1869, was named Opobo and the location was strategically positioned that he could transact first-hand with both national and international merchants, effectively becoming a monopolist in the oil palm trade.
Trade and the resultant wealth exploded so much so that his former British trading partners lost £100,000 (in 1870), and Bonny pleaded with him to return (which he refused).
He then came to the attention of Queen Victoria who, impressed by his influence, recognised him as King of Opobo in 1873 and also personally presented him with a sword in Buckingham Palace in 1875 after he sent troops to assist Britain in the Ashante War.
The Scramble for Africa began in the 19th century. Jaja was infamous for resisting

foreign political and economic influence and he kept taxing the British merchants much to their indignation.
Greed and the fear of Jaja’s influence led the new Consul-General, to invite Jaja out of his kingdom and on board a ship, ”The Goshawk”, for trade discussions.
Once on board, a deportation order was served on him. He was illegally tried and convicted in Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, in 1887, and exiled to Saint Vincent in the distant West Indies and to be later relocated to Barbados.
His pleas to return to his kingdom were granted in 1891. Unfortunately, he died in Tenerife, en route to Opobo, after being allegedly poisoned with a cup of tea. After his death, the influence of Opobo died with him.
Jaja’s body was received with much sorrow by his people who gave him a full, honourable royal burial. He was 70.

Interesting read

However, he is an Ijaw king

We read about him one of those MAC MAMILLIAM readers (book 4 to be precise... ) It was a comprehension passage...

The last phrase I can remember from the passage is ... "He died on his way home".

Great ones hardly dies bro,history will always reveal there deeds!!!

OKUCHI11:
We read about him one of those MAC MAMILLIAM readers (book 4 to be precise... ) It was a comprehension passage...

The last phrase I can remember from the passage is ... "He died on his way home".

How tragic.

IjawTukpa:
However, he is an Ijaw king

He is an IGBO man,opobo remains an Igbo town go and die

07kjb:


He is an IGBO man,opobo remains an Igbo town go and die

but we are the people in control of the place na...

IYC and INC are in control of the place not ohanaeze or ipob

IjawTukpa:
but we are the people in control of the place na...

IYC and INC are in control of the place not ohanaeze or ipob

You can deny your forefather nah, what's our business Igbos doesn't need cowards who worship these polithiefcians.

Japa007:

You can deny your forefather nah, what's our business Igbos doesn't need cowards who worship these polithiefcians.

Opobo originated from Ijaw

IjawTukpa:
Opobo originated from Ijaw

Ode .. Then Igbo originated from there too

Japa007:

Ode .. Then Igbo originated from there too

Opobo originated from Ibani clan of Ijaw...Ibani originated from Kolokuma clan

Here are all Ijaw clans

IjawTukpa:
Opobo originated from Ibani clan of Ijaw...Ibani originated from Kolokuma clan

Here are all Ijaw clans

Keep brainwashing yourself with what the whites told you..

Japa007:

Keep brainwashing yourself with what the whites told you..

if you don't know that Opobo originated from Ibani, then I shouldn't be arguing with you.... because you are far below.... go read history of Opobo either google or wherever before you come back,,,,or ask your ibo brothers on nairaland to help you