In a bold move to uphold transparency and restore order, the Bayelsa State Government has nullified all unauthorized appointments made by the paramount ruler of Opuama Clan, His Royal Highness Chief Kenneth Engo Opukeme, citing abuse of office and violations of the clan’s constitution.
The directive, delivered by Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was issued during a high-level meeting over the weekend at Government House, Yenagoa, involving the embattled monarch and key community stakeholders.
According to a statement released Monday by the Deputy Governor’s media aide, Doubara Atasi, the state government has also banned the payment of community royalties into the personal account of the traditional ruler—branding the act as a gross financial infraction.
“You must know that the same way we have the power to give you the staff of office that is intoxicating you, we also have the power to take it back,” Ewhrudjakpo warned sternly.
To ensure financial transparency and accountability, the government ordered the immediate opening of an official bank account for Opuama Kingdom. This account will be managed jointly by the paramount ruler, the women leader, and the youth president, with clear instructions that all oil-related royalties must henceforth be deposited into it.
The Deputy Governor mandated prominent local leaders including:
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Hon. Moses Marlon, Member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency III
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Mr. Target Segibo, Chairman, Southern Ijaw LGA
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Dr. Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports
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Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, Deputy Chief of Staff
to supervise the process and ensure the account is established within 48 hours.
Ewhrudjakpo further directed all federating communities under the Opuama Kingdom to open their own independent community accounts to properly manage local funds and avoid misuse.
The government also instructed the Commissioners for Community Development and Mineral Resources to formally notify Shell Petroleum and other oil firms operating in the area to cease all payments to personal accounts and redirect royalties to the newly approved official account.
“Allocating funds to yourself and receiving royalties into your personal account is not only unconstitutional but highly irresponsible,” the Deputy Governor emphasized.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including Hon. Marlon and Dr. Igali, praised the state government’s swift intervention and expressed optimism that the measures would restore peace, cohesion, and financial accountability in Opuama.
Also present were:
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HRH Darius David, representing HRM King Joshua Igbugburu and Chairman of the Bomo Clan Council of Chiefs
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Dr. Josephine Ekeuwei, Vice Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA
This action by the Bayelsa State Government marks a significant turning point in reining in traditional excesses and reaffirming the rule of law in oil-producing communities across the state.
