Governor Douye Diri has dismissed the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Chief Okosughe Eseimokumo, following a violent crisis that left at least one person dead and several homes destroyed.
The announcement was made during the April 2026 Praise Night held at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House, Yenagoa. The governor also ordered the immediate dissolution of the community’s council of chiefs, its Community Development Committee, and all youth leadership structures.
According to Diri, the decision became necessary after repeated efforts to restore peace in the troubled oil producing community failed. He stated that the monarch had not yet received official recognition from the state government and could no longer be entrusted with maintaining unity in the area.
The crisis, which escalated earlier in the week, reportedly involved violent clashes that resulted in loss of life and destruction of property. In response, the state government imposed a dusk to dawn curfew to contain further unrest.
Diri directed his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, to set up an interim leadership committee. The body is expected to manage the affairs of the community until ility is restored.
He also instructed the police to track down and prosecute those responsible for the violence, stressing that the law must take its full course. The governor expressed frustration over recurring conflicts in oil rich communities, noting that such disputes often arise over limited benefits despite the vast resources extracted from the region.
Reiterating his administration’s stance, Diri urged residents to embrace peace and dialogue, warning against further violence. He emphasized that development and security can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and cooperation.
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