Image Credit:
CC BY-SA 4.0, Dappasolomon001
His Royal Majesty, King Charles Douglas Jaja, represents a unique blend of royal heritage, intellectual achievement, professional success, and unwavering dedication to community service.
Born on 27th January, 1959 into the royal household of King Jaja at the King Jaja Palace in Opobo Kingdom, he has lived a life marked by purpose and distinction.
He attended St. Paul’s Church Primary School between 1965 and 1967 before continuing at Government Primary School, Opobo (1970–1973). His technical education took him to Secondary Technical College, Ikot-Akata (1973–1976), Government Technical College, Abak (1976–1978), and Shell Petroleum Development Company’s Training College in Port Harcourt (1978–1979).
Pursuing broader academic and managerial development, he attended SANDOC Institute of Management (1979–1990) and later graduated from the University of Port Harcourt with a B.Sc. in Public Administration & Political Studies (Hons.) between 1991 and 1998.
His qualifications include:
First School Leaving Certificate (1973).
WAEC/City & Guilds of London – Electrical Installation Final (1978).
Petroleum Industries Instruments Technician Certification (1979).
Higher National Diploma in Business Administration (1991).
B.Sc. in Public Administration & Political Studies (Hons.) (1998).
Chartered Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Administration (2007).
Fellow, Pan African Business School (2016).
Professionally, King Charles worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company as a Petroleum Industries Instrument Technician from 1978 to 1980 before joining P.S. Mandrides & Co. Ltd.
At P.S. Mandrides, he rose through several strategic positions, eventually becoming Assistant Manager in Port Harcourt. He also served as Depot Manager in Maiduguri and later with the Nigerian Bulk Oil Company in Port Harcourt.
In 2015, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of P.S. Mandrides Plc conglomerate.
His leadership and service extended into governance and traditional institutions through:
Rivers State Technical Committee on Private Companies (2004).
Nigerian Chartered Institute of Public Administration (2007).
Opobo Nkoro Traditional Rulers Council (2009).
Within the Chief MacPepple War Canoe House, he served diligently as:
House Secretary (1988–2006).
Port Harcourt Chief MacPepple House Family Union Chairman (1989–1998).
Alapalibo – 2006.
Alabo Designate – 2008.
Installed as Alabo Prince Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja on November 9, 2009. King Charles also played significant roles in preserving Opobo cultural heritage through the Mina Ogbo Kina Cultural Society of Opobo Kingdom, serving as President from 1985 to 1993 and Patron from 2000.
On 31st December 2025, he ascended as Amanyanabo; the Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom, succeeding his late elder brother, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.
His referees include the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja and King Edward A. W. Dappa Pepple of Bonny Kingdom.
A devoted Christian and family man, King Charles is married to Queen Boiya Charles Jaja. Their family includes Princess Daisy Ibalafa Charles Jaja and grandchildren Jason, Jayla, and Jayden.
Through his lifelong commitment to leadership, education, culture, and service, King Charles Douglas Jaja continues to uphold the enduring legacy of the Opobo Kingdom with dignity and vision.