Ovom Community elects HRH Deme Max Izibevie as paramount ruler

From Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa

Ovom Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has elected HRH Deme Max Izibevie as the “Ebeni-Eken,” Paramount Ruler, following a peaceful election held on Saturday at the Yenagoa Council Secretariat.

Three candidates vied for the position of Chairman, HRH Deme Max Izibevie, Mr. Daniel Adulphus and Chief Stanley Yelebe in a peaceful atmosphere.

Out of 105 delegates who participated, Izibevie secured 82 votes to emerge victorious. Adulphus garnered 22 votes, while Stanley Yelebe received 1 vote.

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Hon. Perekeme Bertola, PhD, Chairman of the Electoral Committee (ELECO), declared Izibevie as the winner, having polled the highest number of votes.

Bertola thanked the candidates and community members for their peaceful conduct and urged neighboring communities to emulate Ovom.

In his remarks, the paramount Ruler-elect attributed his success to divine intervention and vowed not to betray the trust placed in him.

He called for unity, promising an inclusive administration focused on peace, growth, and development.

“I never won; it is Ovom Community that won,” Izibevie said. “I thank the other contestants who stood with me—they never failed; they were my strength.”

He urged all parties to set aside whatever differences and collaborate for the community’s progress.

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Hon. Mandy Akpolo, Commissioner representing Bayelsa Central, commended the state government for intervening to ease tensions in the community.

He advised the Paramount Ruler-elect to be humane and work with all residents to deliver the needed development.

Chief Roosevelt Abasi, Secretary of the Atissa Council of Chiefs lauded the Electoral Committee for a transparent election and praised the community’s peaceful disposition throughout the process.