Overview:

: The statue of King Jaja of Opobo, is a monument located in Andoni- Opobo Local Government Area, Rivers State, in the south-south region of Nigeria. The monument is a tribute to King Jaja of Opobo who reigned from 1865 until his death in 1891. It stands to honour and commemorate the legacy of this Obolo leader who was one of the most influential and impactful leaders of his time. The monument stands to reflect the history of the town and the significance of his rule. The monument consists of a massive bronze sculpture of King Jaja standing tall, sword in hand, on the back of a horse. He is attired in royal regalia, a symbol of his power and an affirmation of his contribution to the area. The inscription engraved at the base of the statue reads: “King Jaja of Opobo, Emir of the Opobo Nation, 1865-1891. To honor this great man and his legacy, this monument was erected in the year 2000.” The unveiling of the monument was a grand occasion which hundreds of dignitaries and guests attended. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

1. The statue is a reminder of the heroic and influential monarch, King Jaja of Opobo. 2. It stands at about 9 feet tall at its highest point, atop a platform with a beautifully crafted, traditional design. 3. The bronze statue symbolizes the former King’s strength, power and influence, as he had begun a major diaspora of Igbo-speaking people into the Opobo area of Rivers State. 4. King Jaja’s statue wears blocks of Yoruba textile wrapped around its torso and a royal crown on its head. 5. The statue is situated in the town centre of Opobo, Rivers State, at 0° 28.781'N and 7° 08.215'E. 6. The unique statue attracts tourists from all over and is seen as a proud symbol of the town’s rich heritage and culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

King Jaja, formerly known as Jaja of Opobo, was a legendary African merchant prince who established a powerful Atlantic trading empire in the Niger Delta in southeastern Nigeria in the late 19th century. He was the leader of the Opobo people and successfully fought against colonial rule and economic exploitation of his people. His legacy is remembered today through his prominent statue in Opobo, Rivers State, Nigeria. The bronze statue of King Jaja is a prominent landmark in the city of Opobo. It was created and erected in October 2017 to commemorate the legacy of Jaja of Opobo, by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria (NCMM). The statue stands at 7 meters tall in what was once known as Old Town,Opobo. The commission worked in collaboration with local authorities, traditional leaders, and members of the community to bring the powerful monument to reality. Its construction was symbolic of Jaja's place in Nigerian and Opobo history, as he is considered a founding father of modern Nigeria and an iconic leader of the Opobo people. The statue was designed to represent King Jaja standing atop a triangle, which symbolizes the trinity of the people, the land, and their natural resources. The figures are adorned with the traditional royal cap, robes, and a royal staff. This alludes to King Jaja’s successful fight against colonial rule, and his success in protecting Opobo’s natural resources. The monument stands tall in Old Town, Opobo as a reminder of Jaja’s legacy, his wisdom, and his courage. It is a symbol not only for those of the Opobo Nation, but a reminder for all Nigerians of the indomitable courage of King Jaja and the legacy of resistance which he left behind. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The bronze statue of King Jaja stands 6.2 meters high and was cast in Florence, Italy. 2. It was designed and built by acclaimed Italian sculptor, Franco Gorgoni. 3. The idea of erecting the statue was conceived by Late Chief Ezeluo 2nd of Opobo Ndoki. 4. It was unveiled by then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, in 1975. 5. The statue serves to commemorate King Jaja of Opobo for his landmark achievements in politics, economics, culture and religion. 6. According to legend, King Jaja never allowed any stranger into Opobo while he ruled the kingdom. 7. The King reigned between 1838 and 1888 and was the leader of the slave trade in Rio del Rey, Cameroon. 8. He opposed British colonialism during his reign and even refused to accept the protection of the British government. 9. King Jaja of Opobo was murdered in 1888 and is buried in Opobo. 10. His legacy and great achievements have been preserved with this famous statue. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era