Ogboinbiri Crisis: Diri Sacks Paramount Ruler, Dissolves Community Leadership Structures

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has ordered the immediate removal of the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area following escalating violence in the area.

The decision affects Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, who was removed over what the state described as prolonged and unresolved communal conflict. The governor also dissolved the Ogboinbiri Council of Chiefs, the Community Development Committee (CDC), and all youth bodies in the community.

The announcement was made on Thursday during the April 2026 Praise Night service at the King of Glory Chapel in the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa, through the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah.

The action follows Tuesday’s violent clashes in Ogboinbiri Community, which reportedly resulted in deaths and the burning of properties. In response, the state government had earlier imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew to restore order.

Governor Diri directed his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, alongside the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, to immediately set up an interim administrative committee to manage the affairs of the community until peace is restored.

He also instructed the Commissioner of Police to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.

According to the governor, the decision was necessary after repeated failed attempts to resolve the crisis, despite several interventions by the state government.

“I have been very patient with Ogboinbiri community. Violent disputes have been ongoing for about two to three years now. I set up different committees, even involved my deputy, and met with the traditional ruler and youths, yet the crisis persisted,” Diri said.

He added that the state would not tolerate continued violence over communal disagreements, especially those linked to revenue-sharing tensions involving oil companies operating in the area.

Diri also clarified that the removed traditional ruler had not yet received full recognition from the state government, pending resolution of the crisis.

On the state’s development agenda, the governor updated residents on the ongoing 60-megawatt gas turbine project, noting that technical work was nearing completion and urging patience from citizens regarding improved power supply.

Meanwhile, during the service, Pastor Daniel Forcados delivered a sermon titled “When Unbelievers Praise God,” highlighting the power of worship in difficult circumstances. He referenced the biblical account of Paul and Silas in Acts 16, emphasizing praise as a spiritual force for deliverance.