The kingdom was founded in 1870 by Jubo Jubogha, popularly known as JaJa, a former Igbo slave who was absorbed into the pre-existing Ibani Ijaw culture.

The communities include, Opobo Town, which is its headquarters, Queenstown, Kalasunju, Oloma, Ayaminimah, Iloma, Minimah, Okpukpo, Iwoma, Ekereborokiri, Kalaibiama, Epelema, Ozuobulu, Muma Down Below, Inokiri and Abazibie.

Opobo is located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Port Harcourt and has been accessible by sea and air and only recently by land.

The 14 sections are Adibie, Biriye, Diepiri, Dapu, Dappa Ye Amakiri, Epelle, Fubarakworo, Iroanya, Jaja, Kalaomuso, Ukonu, Kiepirima, Owujie, and Tolofari.

[5] In 1870, Jubo first arrived in what is now Opobo, having moved there due to a civil war in Bonny between his followers and those of Chief Oko Jumbo, the leader of the rival Manilla Pepple chieftaincy family.

The following are a few of Opobo's unique customs:[9] Breaking any of these rules attracts a fine of N7,000 each or a serious punishment by the community heads.