Niger Delta
Crisis Rocks Bayelsa Traditional Rulers’ Council
All is not well with the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs as some members are calling for change of leadership.
The present leadership of the council headed by King Joshua Igbagara was constituted in 2002, by the administration of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Signs that trouble was brewing in the council became public during a function last week, when King Igbagara in a speech said a traditional ruler had been arrested for embezzling community funds.
He did not however give the name of the traditional ruler, nor elaborate on the issue but The Tide investigation revealed that the said traditional ruler was among those calling for him to step down having exhausted his tenure.
A group of 11 traditional rulers, led by His Majesty, King S. F. Amgbare has written to the state government on the need to appoint a new chairman and deputy for the council, contending that King Igbagara and his deputy King Jonathan Kubo have exhausted their tenure, and were, therefore occupying the seat illegally in the past five years.
According to them Cap C. A. Section 15 of the state chieftaincy law, provides that “the chairman shall hold office for one year and shall be eligible for reappointment for further term of one year and on no account shall a chairman of the council hold office for more than two consecutive terms at a time”.
Following this development, The Tide gathered that the agitating members have been meeting to strategise on how to make the governor appoint a new chairman for the council.
At one of the meetings, the royal fathers exclaimed a white paper which government had earlier issued on the matter, in which it was stated that the office of the chairman should be rotated among the senatorial zones in the state.
The issue which has factionalised the council is now generating bad blood among the traditional rulers, as accusations and counter-accusation trail the council.
The Tide gathered that a traditional ruler from the eastern senatorial axis of the state who is desperate to occupy the stool is the brain behind the crises.
As a result of the disagreement, activities at the council’s secretariat along Hospital road, Yenagoa has been grounded as the aggrieved royal fathers have vowed to frustrate further administration of its affairs by the Igbagara and Kubo team.
Efforts to reach King Igbagara and his deputy was not successful as none of the staff at the council could disclose their phone numbers, or agree to speak on the matter.
One of the staff who pleaded that his name should not be mentioned said that two previous occupants of the seat left in controversial circumstance, revealing that while one died, the other was struck down by stroke.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
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