Bayelsa Governor Diri Sacks Paramount Ruler, Eseimokumo, Chiefs; Sets Up Interim Governing Committee

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria — April 30, 2026

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered the immediate removal of the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, following a prolonged and violent conflict in the area.

The governor also directed the dissolution of the Ogboinbiri council of chiefs, the community development committee, and the youth body as part of measures to restore peace and order.

Diri announced the decision on Thursday during the April 2026 Praise Night held at the King of Glory Chapel, citing recent violent clashes that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.

The crisis, which escalated earlier in the week, prompted the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the community.

To stabilise the situation, the governor directed his deputy, Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thompson Amule, to constitute an interim governing committee to oversee the affairs of Ogboinbiri pending the restoration of peace.

He also tasked the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that all individuals involved in the violence are apprehended and brought to justice.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor clarified that the state government had not fully recognised Eseimokumo as paramount ruler due to unresolved disputes within the community.

Diri expressed concern over recurring violence in oil-producing communities, often linked to disagreements over revenue from oil companies. He noted that such proceeds are minimal compared to the benefits derived by oil firms, urging communities to prioritise peace and unity over internal conflicts.