Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has sacked the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, following a violent, long-standing crisis in the area.
The governor also dissolved the community’s council of chiefs, the community development committee and the youth body.
Diri announced the decision on Thursday during an event at the Government House, Yenagoa.
“The paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri is hereby sacked,” Diri declared to a stunned congregation.
“He was yet to be recognised by the state government. I was waiting for peace to be restored for us to recognise him, but unfortunately, I am very sure he cannot hold that community together.
“We must say no to the evil acts in Ogboinbiri.”
The development follows a violent clash in the community on Tuesday, which reportedly led to loss of lives and destruction of property, prompting the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
The governor directed his deputy, Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thompson Amule, to set up an interim committee to oversee the affairs of the community pending the restoration of peace.
Diri also charged the state Commissioner of Police to hunt down all culprits directly involved in the recent violence, vowing that “the law must take its full course.”
“I have been very patient with Ogboinbiri community. Violent disputes had been on for about two to three years now. I set up different committees.
“I invited the traditional ruler and youths to my office. Yet, recently there was killing and burning of houses,” the governor noted.
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He further expressed frustration over recurring clashes in oil-bearing communities, lamenting that residents were fighting over what he called “peanuts” compared to the vast revenues oil companies extract from their land.
“We cannot afford to kill ourselves for pecuniary gains or for whatever reasons,” Diri said.
“Ogboinbiri is an oil producing community and I keep telling them that what they are receiving are peanuts compared to what the oil companies get from Ogboinbiri.”
The governor also provided an update on the state’s 60-megawatt gas turbine project, saying technical experts are nearly done at the power plant.
He urged citizens to be patient, noting his administration’s significant investment to ensure stable electricity.
In a sermon titled “When Unbelievers Praise God,” Pastor Daniel Forcados reminded the audience of Paul and Silas, who sang hymns in prison until an earthquake flung open their doors.
“Praise attracts a force from God to liberate you from bondage and captivity,” the preacher said, a message that took on unexpected political weight given the governor’s actions moments earlier.
