GOVERNOR DIRI SACKS OGBOINBIRI PARAMOUNT RULER, DISSOLVES CHIEFS, CDC AND YOUTH BODIES OVER DEADLY COMMUNITY CRISIS
Sets Up Interim Governing Committee as Government Moves to Restore Peace
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For Global Egberi Media International Ltd
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has taken decisive action over the lingering crisis in Ogboinbiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, by ordering the immediate removal of the community’s paramount ruler, Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, alongside the dissolution of the council of chiefs, Community Development Committee (CDC), and all youth-related bodies.
The governor announced the sweeping measures during the April 2026 Praise Night held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, following renewed violence in the oil-producing community.
The government’s intervention came after a deadly clash on Tuesday that reportedly claimed lives and led to widespread destruction of property, including arson attacks on homes and structures. In response to the unrest, the Bayelsa State Government had earlier imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the community in an effort to contain further violence and maintain public order.
Governor Diri Expresses Frustration Over Prolonged Crisis
Governor Diri expressed deep concern over the recurring conflict in Ogboinbiri, stating that his administration had made several attempts over the past two to three years to broker peace among feuding factions in the community.
According to the governor, multiple peace committees had been set up, while his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, was directed to personally intervene in resolving the disputes. He further disclosed that community leaders, including the traditional ruler and youth representatives, had been invited to Government House for reconciliation meetings, yet hostilities continued.
The governor noted that despite these efforts, the latest outbreak of violence, which involved killings and the burning of houses, showed that stronger government intervention had become unavoidable.
Paramount Ruler Removed, Recognition Withheld
Governor Diri explained that Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo had not yet received full official recognition from the state government as paramount ruler due to the unresolved internal conflicts in Ogboinbiri.
He said the government had hoped peace would return before granting official recognition, but recent developments had demonstrated that the ruler lacked the capacity to unite the community and ensure stability.
As a result, the governor directed his immediate removal from office.
Dissolution of Traditional and Community Structures
In addition to the removal of the paramount ruler, Governor Diri ordered the immediate dissolution of all existing leadership structures in the community, including:
- Ogboinbiri Council of Chiefs
- Community Development Committee (CDC)
- All youth-related organizations and bodies
The move, according to government sources, is aimed at dismantling the power blocs and rival structures believed to be contributing to the crisis.
Interim Governing Committee to Take Over
To prevent a leadership vacuum, Governor Diri directed his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, to constitute an Interim Governing Committee to oversee the administration of Ogboinbiri pending the full restoration of peace and security.
The committee is expected to stabilize the community, coordinate reconciliation efforts, and work with security agencies to restore normalcy.
Police Ordered to Arrest Perpetrators
The Bayelsa governor also issued a firm directive to the Commissioner of Police and all security agencies operating in the state to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute all persons directly involved in the recent violence.
He stressed that the rule of law must prevail and warned that criminal acts disguised as community disputes would no longer be tolerated.
Warning Against Violence Over Oil Benefits
Governor Diri lamented the trend of violent clashes in oil-producing communities over the sharing of proceeds from oil companies operating in their areas.
He described the financial benefits often contested by residents as insignificant compared to the huge profits made by multinational oil companies, warning that communities should not destroy themselves over what he termed “peanuts.”
According to him, internal conflicts only weaken communities and delay development while benefiting external interests.
Update on Bayelsa Power Project
Speaking further during the event, Governor Diri gave an update on the state’s 60-megawatt gas turbine power project.
He disclosed that technical experts were nearing completion of installation and testing at the power plant, expressing optimism that Bayelsa would soon begin to enjoy more stable electricity supply.
The governor appealed to citizens for patience, noting that his administration had invested substantial resources into ensuring the project’s success.
Spiritual Reflection at Praise Night
The April 2026 Praise Night also featured a sermon by Pastor Daniel Forcados titled “When Unbelievers Praise God.”
Drawing from Acts 16:16-40, Pastor Forcados recounted the biblical story of Paul and Silas, who praised God while imprisoned and were miraculously delivered when an earthquake opened the prison doors.
He emphasized that praise and worship remain powerful tools for attracting divine intervention in difficult situations.
Public Reactions
Residents and political observers have described Governor Diri’s action as bold and timely, especially in light of the repeated breakdown of peace in Ogboinbiri.
Many believe the dissolution of the existing structures and creation of an interim administration may provide the opportunity for a fresh start and genuine reconciliation among aggrieved parties.
Conclusion
The crisis in Ogboinbiri highlights the urgent need for unity, responsible leadership, and peaceful conflict resolution in resource-rich communities. Governor Diri’s decisive intervention signals a zero-tolerance stance on violence and a renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Bayelsa State.
As the interim committee begins its assignment, all eyes will be on Ogboinbiri to see whether peace, dialogue, and development can finally replace years of conflict.
Published by Global Egberi Media International Ltd
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
About the Author
