The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has removed the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, after a long period of unrest in the area.
The governor also dissolved the council of chiefs, the community development committee, and the youth leadership of the community.
Diri made this announcement on Thursday during an event held at the Government House in Yenagoa.
This action follows a violent clash that occurred in the community on Tuesday, which reportedly led to loss of lives and destruction of properties. As a result, the state government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the area.
The governor directed his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, along with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thompson Amule, to set up an interim committee that will manage the affairs of the community until peace is restored.
He also instructed security agencies, including the police, to ensure that those responsible for the violence are arrested and prosecuted.
Diri explained that the state government had not officially recognised Eseimokumo as the paramount ruler because of the ongoing crisis in the community. He added that several attempts by the government over the past few years to resolve the conflict had not been successful.
According to him, maintaining security is a shared responsibility. He noted that Bayelsa State has largely been peaceful, except for the recent incident involving killings and destruction in Ogboinbiri.
The governor said he had been patient with the community, as the conflict had lasted for about two to three years. He mentioned that different committees had been set up, and even his deputy was asked to intervene, but the crisis still continued. He also said he had personally invited both the traditional ruler and the youths for discussions, yet the violence persisted.
He stated that the ruler could no longer continue in that position, especially since he had not been officially recognised and had failed to unite the community.
Diri also warned residents to reject violence, stressing that the government would not tolerate any further unrest. He urged the people to avoid fighting among themselves, especially for financial gains.
He added that Ogboinbiri is an oil-producing community, but the benefits the people receive are very small compared to what oil companies gain from the area.