METRO

See How Jaja of Opobo was killed with a cup of tea in 1891

Published

11 months ago

June 23, 2024

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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…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

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. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

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.

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METRO

Your Cooking Gas Can Last Long With These Simple Methods, Apply The Steps Below

Published

10 hours ago

May 15, 2025

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With the rising cost of living, saving on household expenses has become more important than ever. One major area where Kenyan households can cut costs is on cooking gas (LPG). Whether you use a 6kg or 13kg gas cylinder, simple adjustments in your daily cooking routine can help your gas last longer and save you money in the long run. Here are practical methods to help extend the life of your cooking gas:

1. Use the Right Cooking Pots READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Always use flat-bottomed and well-fitting pots with lids. A flat base ensures maximum contact with the burner, making heating more efficient. Lids trap heat and allow food to cook faster, reducing the amount of gas needed. Avoid using small pots on large burners, as a lot of heat escapes around the sides, wasting gas…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

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METRO

Fishermen saw something odd stuck on an iceberg, soon realized the unimaginable truth!

Published

10 hours ago

May 15, 2025

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Life at sea brings all manner of incredible experiences and challenges, with the proximity to the beauty and power of mother nature offering a view of the world that too few of us ever see.

Among the treasures the sea has to offer in the area are crabs — which happen to be fisherman Alan’s specialization. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

But when he and Malory were out at sea with their boat one day, they saw something very different from the crab they were used to — and it was a sight they would never forget. It all began when they came upon a large iceberg, shaped like a mushroom…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

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METRO

Sister killed her younger brother and will probably won’t spend a day in jail, but their mother shared the ‘signs’ she saw just two weeks prior!

Published

11 hours ago

May 15, 2025

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According to the girl’s mother, April, her 12-year-old daughter, who was not identified due to her age, will probably spend few years in a juvenile facility before being released home.

The young girl reportedly stabbed her 9-year-old brother, Zendar, to death. It continues to remain unclear why the girl stabbed her brother to death.

The 12-year-old girl will probably won’t spend a day in jail under a unique state law that spares children under the age of 13 of being charged as adults, prosecutors said. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

The Mirror reports that an unfortunate incident occurred earlier this year. During an interview with investigators, the mother said that she was in their family home and came rushing into her son’s room to screams, where she came upon blood seeping through the boy’s bedsheets…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

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