Bayelsa Governor Diri Dismisses Ogboinbiri Monarch Amid Crisis

On Thursday, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State announced the dismissal of the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri, Okosugh Benson, along with chiefs and youth groups, in response to a prolonged crisis in the community. This decision followed violent clashes reported on Tuesday, which led to loss of life and destruction of property, prompting the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

Governor Diri directed his deputy, Peter Akp, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thompson Amul, to establish an interim committee to oversee the community's affairs until peace is restored. The governor noted that previous efforts to resolve the conflict had failed, and he urged residents to embrace peace, warning that the government would not tolerate further violence.

The paramount ruler, Eseimokumo, had not been formally recognized by the state government due to the ongoing crisis, which has persisted for two to three years.