THE DESTINY OF A KING
by HRH Sir. Ovie Owen Omeleh KSP. JP:
Celebrating the Legacy and 60th Birthday of King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III of Bonny Kingdom
On June 11, 2025, His Majesty King Dr. Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP—Edward I, Perekule XI, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom—will celebrate his 60th birthday. This diamond jubilee is more than just a personal milestone; it is a profound celebration of nearly three decades of leadership, transformation, and visionary service to his people and the broader Niger Delta region.
A Royal Heritage and Rise to the Throne
Born on June 11, 1965, into the distinguished Perekule royal lineage, King Edward is the son of King Eugene William Dappa Pepple, who ruled Bonny from 1957 to 1972, and Queen Gladys Pepple. Raised within the royal traditions of the Ibani people, young Edward was groomed in humility, leadership and diplomacy from an early age.
He ascended the throne on December 21, 1996, as the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom. His coronation marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Bonny—one anchored in peace, development, cultural revival, and modernization.
The ‘Dubai Vision’ for Bonny Kingdom
From the onset of his reign, King Edward announced a bold and ambitious roadmap:
The Dubai Vision.
This vision aimed to transform Bonny into a hub of economic prosperity, social development, and cultural excellence—similar to how Dubai emerged from a desert port to a global city.
Guided by this vision, the kingdom under his stewardship has undergone significant transformation across infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy, and investment sectors.
These reforms were not only strategic but deeply rooted in King Edward’s sense of responsibility to secure a better future for his people.
Infrastructure and Energy: Building a Model City
One of the most applauded achievements under King Edward’s reign is Bonny Island’s access to uninterrupted electricity and potable water—a rare reality in Nigeria.
The Bonny Utility Company (BUC), a collaboration between the kingdom and partners like Nigeria LNG, Shell, Mobil, and Chevron, has made Bonny a model for public-private synergy in service delivery.
He also championed the construction of the Bonny-Bodo Road, a project supported by the federal government and oil companies, linking Bonny to the mainland. Additional initiatives such as a 5,000-seat stadium, sports academy, and new express roads are well underway, further boosting connectivity and quality of life.
Education and Health: Laying Foundations for the Future
Understanding that the true wealth of a kingdom lies in its human capital, King Edward prioritized education.
His reign has seen the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas and the Bonny Vocational Centre, providing youth with technical and professional training tailored to the region’s economic context.
In healthcare, the Bonny Community Health Insurance Programme (BCHIP) stands out as a landmark initiative, offering affordable and quality medical services. These investments are part of the broader vision to ensure that Bonny people live healthier, longer, and more productive lives.
Economic Growth and Investment: Attracting the World to Bonny
King Edward’s leadership has positioned Bonny as an attractive destination for investors. In 2023, he launched the first Bonny Investment and Tourism Expo, spotlighting the kingdom’s readiness to host local and international investment in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, energy, and tourism.
Institutions like the Bonny Chamber of Commerce and the Bonny Kingdom Development Committee have played active roles in shaping policy, facilitating partnerships, and empowering local enterprises.
Cultural Renaissance and Social Harmony
A champion of Ibani traditions, King Edward has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of his people. The Finima Cultural Festival, regular royal ceremonies, and community forums are part of his strategy to foster pride and unity.
He has empowered youth and women through the Bonny Youth Federation and Bonny Women Forum, ensuring they play active roles in governance, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding.
His leadership also reflects deep sensitivity to diversity and inclusion—Bonny Kingdom under his reign is one of harmony, where all constituent houses and communities find their voices heard and represented.
Security and Stability: Peace as a Pillar
Unlike many other parts of the Niger Delta plagued by unrest, Bonny remains relatively peaceful. King Edward’s commitment to dialogue, traditional conflict resolution, and collaboration with federal security forces has helped secure the kingdom.
Military and police installations now safeguard key installations and citizens alike, encouraging stability and economic confidence.
Tributes and Royal Recognition
As the celebrations for his 60th birthday draw near, tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and beyond. Notably, the people and Ebeneken of Yenaka in Bayelsa State, His Royal Highness Ovie Owen Omeleh, KSP, JP, have extended their heartfelt wishes to King Edward on this momentous occasion. In a special message, HRH Ovie Owen Omeleh commended the Bonny monarch for his wisdom, peace-building leadership, and transformative legacy.
The Ebeneken lauded King Edward’s achievements as a testament to visionary monarchy in the Niger Delta, expressing joy and solidarity with the people of Bonny Kingdom. “We, the good people of Yenaka and the traditional institution under my leadership, join your people in wishing you a diamond celebration befitting your grace, courage, and accomplishments,” HRH Omeleh said.
This cross-regional gesture of unity is symbolic of King Edward’s growing influence not just in Rivers State but across the wider Niger Delta and traditional leadership circles in Nigeria.
Looking Ahead: A Reign in Progress
Despite already achieving so much, King Edward shows no signs of slowing down. In his recent remarks, he reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the Dubai Vision in its entirety. Projects like the Bonny Island Deep Seaport, expansion of tourism infrastructure, and increased local content in oil and gas remain high on his agenda.
He continues to inspire a new generation of traditional rulers by blending modern governance principles with age-old traditions of service and integrity. In many ways, King Edward is not just a ruler—he is a statesman, bridge-builder, and national figure whose legacy will shape Nigeria’s development discourse for years to come.
A Grand Celebration of a Grand Monarch
Preparations for the king’s 60th birthday are underway, and Bonny Kingdom is expected to host dignitaries, traditional rulers, and citizens from across Nigeria and beyond. The celebrations will likely include royal processions, cultural displays, community thanksgiving, and public recognition of the king’s transformative reign.
As the diamond jubilee approaches, the Bonny people are preparing to honor not just their king but the destiny he has embraced—one of sacrifice, progress, cultural pride, and unwavering service.
King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III’s story is one of vision turned into reality. And as the drumbeats rise and the kingdom prepares to dance, all eyes will turn to Bonny on June 11, 2025—to celebrate a king whose legacy shines as brightly as any diamond.
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