The family of the Amanayabo of Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State has formally announced the death of their father and King of the Kalabari Kingdom, Prof. TJT Princewill.
The family disclosed In a statement in Abuja that the formal announcement followed the fulfilment of some traditional rights which include 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 a very heavy heart that I am formally announcing 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 just my father, he was also my best friend.
‘Earlier today, the Buguma Council of Chiefs and the Kalabari Council of Chiefs were formally briefed, all in accordance with Kalabari tradition, thereby opening the door to our now officially informing the world, as the cart can not be put before the horse.
“Further announcements will follow in the days and weeks to come. But we call on you for your prayers and your well wishes, not just for the family, but for the entire Kalabari Kingdom. He’ll truly be missed”.
The late monarch was born on January 4 1930 in Buguma City into 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 Department of Microbiology, the first Professor of Microbiology and the first black Professor to be Dean, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology before retiring from the academia.
King T.J.T Princewill was installed King Amachree XI on March, 23 2002, thus making him the first Professor to become a King of the revered Kalabari Kingdom and by extension Rivers State.
He was appointed Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers on the January 1, 2010 by former Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, making him the first Professor King to be Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers as well as the first King of Kalabari extraction to head the council.
The late king was given the nation honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR.
