Ogboinbiri Crisis: Diri Sacks Paramount Ruler and Chiefs
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has ordered the immediate removal of Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo as the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Council following the protracted conflict in the area. The governor also dissolved the Ogboinbiri Council of Chiefs, the community development committee, and the youth body. This decision was announced during the April 2026 Praise Night at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House, Yenagoa, on Thursday.
The move comes after a violent dispute on Tuesday that resulted in loss of life and arson attacks, prompting the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the community. Governor Diri directed his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, to set up an interim committee to manage the affairs of Ogboinbiri until peace and security are restored.
Governor Orders Arrest of Culprits
The governor charged the Commissioner of Police to ensure that all individuals directly involved in the incident are apprehended and prosecuted. Diri noted that the state government had not yet granted full recognition to Eseimokumo as paramount ruler, pending the resolution of the ongoing conflicts in Ogboinbiri.
He stated, "Security is everyone's business. The state has been peaceful except for the unfortunate recent incident of killing and arson in Ogboinbiri community. I have been very patient with Ogboinbiri community. Violent disputes had been ongoing for about two to three years. I set up various committees to resolve the lingering conflict, but to no avail. I even directed my deputy to intervene and invited the traditional ruler and youths to my office in Yenagoa, yet recently there was killing and burning of houses."
Diri emphasized that all security agencies must ensure the arrest of those involved in the dastardly act, and the law must take its full course. He dissolved all youth-related bodies and the CDC in Ogboinbiri, adding that the paramount ruler was sacked because he could not hold the community together.
Concern Over Oil Community Violence
The governor expressed concern over violent clashes in oil-producing communities arising from disputes over proceeds from oil companies. He described the payments as "peanuts" compared to what oil firms benefit from these communities. "We cannot afford to kill ourselves for pecuniary gains or for whatever reasons. 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," Diri said.
Update on Power Project
Providing an update on the state's 60-megawatt gas turbine project, the governor explained that technical experts are nearly done at the power plant. He urged residents to be more patient, as his administration has committed significant effort and resources to ensure stable power supply.
Sermon on Praise
Delivering a sermon titled 'When Unbelievers Praise God,' Pastor Adolphus Forcados emphasized the importance of praise and worship to attract God's intervention in difficult situations. He described God as Supreme and the God of all creation who does not discriminate, as exemplified by the sun shining for everyone regardless of their beliefs. Referencing Acts 16:16-40, he reminded the congregation of Paul and Silas, who sang hymns while imprisoned, leading to an earthquake that freed them. "Praise attracts a force from God to liberate you from bondage and captivity," the preacher concluded.
