Diri Sacks Ogboinbiri Monarch, Dissolves Chiefs Over Prolonged Crisis
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has ordered the immediate removal of the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, following a protracted crisis that recently escalated into violence.
The governor also announced the dissolution of the Ogboinbiri council of chiefs, the community development committee (CDC), and all youth bodies, as part of decisive measures to restore peace in the troubled oil-producing community.
The directives were issued on Thursday during the April 2026 Praise Night held at the King of Glory Chapel, in the state capital, Yenagoa.
The development follows a violent clash earlier in the week that reportedly resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property, prompting the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the community.
Governor Diri further directed his deputy, Peter Akpe, alongside the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, to constitute an interim governing committee to oversee the affairs of Ogboinbiri pending the restoration of peace and stability.
He also instructed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the violence and ensure they are brought to justice.
Explaining the rationale behind the actions, Diri noted that the state government had not formally recognised Chief Eseimokumo as paramount ruler due to the lingering conflict in the community.
According to him, several interventions, including peace committees and direct engagements with stakeholders, had failed to resolve the crisis, which has persisted for over two years.
“Security is everyone’s business. The state has been largely peaceful except for the unfortunate killing and arson in Ogboinbiri,” the governor said, stressing that government would no longer tolerate recurring violence.
He expressed concern over frequent clashes in oil-producing communities, often linked to disputes over benefits from oil companies, describing such proceeds as insignificant compared to the value extracted from the communities.
“We cannot afford to kill ourselves for pecuniary gains,” he said, urging residents to embrace peace and unity.
The governor also provided an update on the state’s 60-megawatt gas turbine power project, noting that technical work at the plant was nearing completion and appealing for continued patience from residents as efforts intensify to deliver stable electricity supply.
Earlier, in a sermon titled “When Unbelievers Praise God,” Pastor Adolphus Forcados highlighted the power of praise and worship in overcoming adversity, drawing lessons from the biblical account of Paul and Silas.
He encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast in faith, noting that sincere praise can attract divine intervention even in difficult circumstances.
The event formed part of activities at Government House, where state officials and residents gathered amid ongoing efforts by the administration to address security concerns and promote unity across communities.
