The Bayelsa State Government has nullified the attempted suspension of His Royal Highness Francis Timi Odudu, the paramount ruler of Ikebiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, deeming it illegal under the state’s Chieftaincy Law.
The decision was announced by Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo during a meeting with stakeholders and conflicting parties at Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday.
Ewhrudjakpo clarified that the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law vested sole authority to suspend or remove a government-recognized traditional ruler in the Governor, following a formal investigative process.
“No individual or group can suspend a paramount ruler. Any concerns must be petitioned to the Governor, who may establish a panel to investigate,” he stated, declaring the purported suspension by the Concerned Citizens of Ikebiri group as null and void.
He cautioned against public processions or media announcements, warning that such actions would be seen as challenging state authority.
To address the leadership dispute, the government constituted a 12-member investigative panel, chaired by Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House.
The panel, which includes prominent figures such as King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, and Chief Thompson Amule, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is tasked with examining the unamended Ikebiri Community constitution, the distribution of 30 percent royalty funds, and causes of frequent communal clashes.
The panel, with Mr. Ebimiebosegha Wilson as Secretary, has one month to submit its findings.
Ewhrudjakpo urged all parties to maintain peace and unity, assuring a fair investigation to foster lasting stability in Ikebiri.
The government’s actions align with the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which mandates that only the Governor can remove a traditional ruler for gross misconduct after thorough investigation, as seen in similar cases like the Polaku and Akenfa chieftaincy disputes.
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