The family of the Amanayabo of Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State has officially announced the passing of their father and King of the Kalabari Kingdom, Prof. T. J. T Princewill.
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In a statement released in Abuja, the family stated that the formal announcement followed the completion of various traditional rituals, which included briefing the Buguma Council of Chiefs and the Kalabari Council of Chiefs as required by tradition.
The statement, titled “The King has departed. Long live the Kingdom” and signed by Prince Tonye Princewill, reads: “It is with great sadness that I formally announce the departure of my father, our King and His Serene Majesty, King Prof. T. J. T. Princewill, Amachree the XI and Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom.
“He was not only my father but also my best friend.
“Earlier today, the Buguma Council of Chiefs and the Kalabari Council of Chiefs were officially briefed, in accordance with Kalabari tradition, thus allowing us to inform the world of this news.
“Further announcements will be made in the coming days and weeks. We ask for your prayers and well wishes, not only for our family but for the entire Kalabari Kingdom. He will be greatly missed.”
Born on January 4, 1930, in Buguma City to the Royal Family of King & Queen Jacob Tom Princewill, Amachree the VII, His Serene Majesty King Prof. T.J.T Princewill, JP, CFR, Amachree XI, The Amanyanabo & Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom was appointed a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Port Harcourt in 1984.
He was the first Head of the Department of Microbiology, the first Professor of Microbiology, and the first black Professor to serve as the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Rivers State University of Science and Technology before retiring from academia.
He was installed as King Amachree XI on March 23, 2002, making him the first Professor to become a King of the revered Kalabari Kingdom and, consequently, Rivers State.
He was appointed Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers on January 1, 2010, by former Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, making him the first Professor King to serve as Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as the first King of Kalabari descent to join the council.
The late king was awarded the national honor of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR.
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