Bayelsa Government terminates illegal appointments by Opuama Royal leader, orders transparent financial practices

Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has sacked all aides illegally appointed by His Royal Highness, Chief Kenneth Engo Opukeme, the paramount ruler of Opuama Clan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and ordered an immediate halt to royalty payments into his personal bank account, citing violations of the community’s constitution.

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Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo announced the measures during a meeting with Chief Opukeme and Opuama stakeholders in his office over the weekend.

He cautioned traditional rulers across the state to adhere strictly to their communities’ constitutional provisions, warning that the government would not tolerate high-handedness or financial impropriety.

Ewhrudjakpo directed Hon. Moses Marlon, the State House of Assembly member for Southern Ijaw Constituency 3, alongside Deputy Chief of Staff Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, Sports Commissioner Dr. Daniel Igali, and Southern Ijaw LGA Chairman Mr. Target Segibo, to ensure a dedicated bank account for Opuama Kingdom is opened within 48 hours.

All federating communities in Opuama were similarly instructed to establish official accounts to enhance transparency in managing community funds.“You are not the Opuama Kingdom, but only a symbol of it as its paramount ruler,” Ewhrudjakpo told Chief Opukeme, condemning the ruler’s practice of diverting royalties and controlling cheque signatories.

He added that the administration could revoke the staff of office from erring traditional leaders.

The Deputy Governor also instructed the Commissioners for Community Development and Mineral Resources to notify Shell and other oil companies to redirect Opuama’s royalties to the new community account, with signatories including the paramount ruler, the women’s leader, and the clan youth president.

Hon. Moses Marlon and Dr. Daniel Igali expressed optimism that the directives would foster peace and unity in Opuama.

Brief remarks were also made by His Royal Highness Darius David, representing the Ebenanaowei of Bomo Kingdom, and Dr. Josephine Ekeuwei, Vice Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA.

The government’s actions follow reports of ongoing constitutional breaches by Chief Opukeme, despite prior warnings, with a committee still reviewing the matter.