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SPOTLIGHTS
- The Bayelsa State Government is mediating the Ogboinbiri leadership crisis
- Leaders are directed to maintain the existing leadership structure and work together
- The crisis originated from the alleged suspension of the Amananaowei
- The Deputy Governor called for reconciliation and unity among community leaders
From Femi Folarnmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has intervened in the ongoing leadership crisis in the Ogboinbiri community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, directing the feuding parties to reconcile.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, issued a directive at a reconciliatory meeting with the Ogboinbiri Council of Chiefs and other stakeholders in Government House, Yenagoa, over the weekend. He specifically instructed the Amananaowei (traditional ruler), the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, the Youth President, the Woman Leader, and the council of chiefs to maintain the existing leadership structure (status quo ante) and work together for the community’s peace, development, and progress.
The crisis escalated in May following the purported suspension of the Amananaowei, His Royal Highness Chief Okosighe Eseimokumo.
According to a statement by the Deputy Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Doubara Atasi, Senator Ewhrudjakpo urged the Ogboinbiri people to focus on their strengths and work together for the community’s development.
He stressed the unacceptability of any individual hindering others from performing their leadership roles. The Deputy Governor appealed to all parties to reconcile for the collective good of Ogboinbiri, emphasizing their shared responsibility to lead the community towards greater prosperity.
While advocating for maintaining the existing leadership structure, the Deputy Governor specifically advised the Amananaowei, Chief Okosigbe Eseimokumo, to prioritise consultation and inclusivity in his leadership approach.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo warned him and other influential figures against any further actions that could disrupt peace and order in the oil-rich community.
“All suspensions should be lifted forthwith, and let the Amananaowei, CDC Chairman, Youth President, and Woman Leader maintain the status quo ante. That means there is no winner, no loser in this matter,” he stated.
He further addressed the Amananaowei: “As Amananaowei of Ogboinbiri, you have to run an all-inclusive system and carry everybody along. You are elected by your community to lead them to prosperity and not to fight one another.”
The CDC Chairman of Ogboinbiri, Tari Daniel, and the Youth President, Experience Pere, explained that their opposition to the Amananaowei stemmed from allegations of high-handedness, autocratic behaviour, and exclusionary policies.
