Bayelsa Govt Nullifies Suspension of Ikebiri Traditional Ruler
Bayelsa Govt Nullifies Suspension of Ikebiri Traditional Ruler... Sets Up Panel of Inquiry
The Bayelsa State Government has officially declared the purported suspension of the Paramount Ruler of Ikebiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, His Royal Highness Francis Timi Odudu, as illegal, null, and void.
This position was made clear by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during a stakeholder meeting held on Monday at Government House, Yenagoa, involving the two opposing parties and key community members.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo emphasized that, according to the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, no individual or group has the constitutional authority to suspend or remove a government-recognized traditional ruler. He reiterated that such power resides solely with the Governor, and only after a proper investigation and due process has been followed.
"Only the Governor Can Remove a Paramount Ruler" – Ewhrudjakpo
“Our Bayelsa Chieftaincy Law does not empower anybody or group of people to remove any paramount ruler that has been recognised and gazetted by government,” the Deputy Governor stated.
He further advised community members to follow the proper channels if they have grievances: “What you can do is petition the Governor. The Governor will set up a panel to investigate the matter. If found guilty, then the Governor will remove the staff of office.”
In the interim, he warned all stakeholders to avoid public announcements, protests, or any form of procession that could escalate tensions. “Any person that does that will be confronting the government, and you know what it means to confront government,” he added firmly.
Government Establishes 12-Member Investigative Panel
To ensure an unbiased and transparent resolution of the allegations brought against HRH Francis Timi Odudu by a group identified as the Concerned Citizens of Ikebiri, the Bayelsa State Government constituted a 12-member Panel of Inquiry to examine all the issues at stake.
The panel, chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, is mandated to:
- Investigate reasons why the Ikebiri Community Constitution remains unamended
- Review the sharing formula of the 30% oil royalty
- Identify the root causes of repeated internal community clashes
Other notable members of the panel include:
- HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo – Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council
- Chief Thompson Amule – Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
- Chief Watson Belemote – Commissioner for Community Development
- Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai – Commissioner for Information
- Hon Target Segibo – Chairman, Southern Ijaw LGA
- High Chief Bertola Perekeme – SA to Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs
- Brig. Gen. Eric Angaye – Coordinator, Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps
- Mrs Lear Amara Kontei – Chairman, Apoi/Olodiama Rural Development Authority
- Mr Richard Perekeme – Technical Adviser on Special Duties
- HRH Darius David – Chairman, Bomo Kingdom Council of Chiefs
The panel’s secretary is Mr Ebimiebosegha Wilson, and they have been given a one-month timeframe to complete their assignment and submit a report to the state government.
The Deputy Governor assured all parties of the state government’s neutrality and commitment to justice, while encouraging them to put the peace and progress of Ikebiri above personal interests.
Signed:
Doubara Atasi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor
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