Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has dismissed Chief Okosughe Eseimokumo, the paramount ruler of the troubled Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, following violent clashes that resulted in one death and the burning of houses.
Governor Announces Dismissal at Praise Night
Governor Diri made the announcement on Thursday evening, April 30, during the April 2026 Praise Night held at the King of Glory Chapel inside the Government House in Yenagoa. The governor ordered the immediate dissolution of the council of chiefs, the community development committee (CDC), and all youth organizations in the community.
In a statement that stunned the congregation, Diri declared: "The paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri is hereby sacked." He explained that the state government had not yet officially recognized the paramount ruler and was awaiting the restoration of peace before doing so. The governor expressed disappointment that the traditional ruler "cannot hold that community together" and emphasized that both the people and government "must say no to the evil acts in Ogboinbiri."
Violence Triggers Curfew and Dismissal
The dismissal followed a violent incident on Tuesday, April 28, which led to the loss of a life and arson attacks. The state government subsequently imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the oil-producing community. Governor Diri directed his deputy, Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thompson Amule, to form an interim governing committee to manage the affairs of Ogboinbiri until peace and security are restored.
The governor also charged the state commissioner of police to ensure the arrest of all those involved in the recent violence, stressing that justice must be served. He noted that he had been patient with the community, as the violence had persisted for about two to three years.
Governor Expresses Frustration Over Repeated Clashes
Diri lamented that he had set up several committees and invited traditional rulers and youths to his office, but "recently, there was killing and burning of houses." He expressed frustration over the consistent clashes in the oil-rich community, noting that the people were fighting over what he described as "peanuts" compared to the large revenues oil companies derive from their land.
The governor also provided an update on his administration's 60-megawatt gas turbine project, stating that technical experts are nearly finished with the power plant. He urged the people to be patient with the government.
