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Crisis rocks Bayelsa community over Chieftaincy Stool as Court Suspends Amanaowei election
A dangerous drama is playing out in Agbere community of Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State over the election that will lead to the emergence of a new Paramount ruler (Amanaowei) in the area.
Three contestants in the election namely, Chief Reid Arubeingha Aladei, Julius Kinluck Torunariagha and Abidde Ekpodowem have indicated interest to run for the exalted seat.
But the alleged reluctance of the Acting Paramount Ruler Chief Kennedy Odiowei to vacate the throne and The Secretary Agbere Community Council of Chiefs, Chief Don-Felix Alale presiding over a meeting in the Town Hall to present false information to the community is throwing up tension in the community.
The contestants approached a competent court in suit no: BYHC/SHC/CV/32/2025 accusing the Chiefs and the Acting Paramount Ruler, Chief Kennedy Odiowei of attempting to deliberately delay the election and planning to extend his tenure, they sought the court to issue an order compelling the Electoral Committee headed by Dr Tarila Nikade not to postpone the election indefinitely.
According to the Claimants, in the Statement of Claim deposed under oath, in pargraph 19 states thus: “Regretably, the claimants have discovered that a meeting was held on the 8th of April 2025 in Agbere Community by the Defendants where it was discussed and agreed that the said election scheduled to hold on the 26th of April 2025 be cancelled or postponed indefinitely in order to allow the 1st Defendant more time to remain as the Acting Amamanaowei of Agbere Community”
Paragraph 23 of the same statement of claim states that “Claimants aver that they are seriously aggrieved by the action of the defendants and that it is only an order of court that can compel the defendants to conduct the election on the 26th of April 2025 as already scheduled.”
Already, there seems to be delay in the court proceedings Suit No: BYHC/SHC/CV/32/2025 with conflicting appearance of counsel to one of the claiimants (Abidde Ekpodowem) who stated that he was not a party in the suit and requested for his name to be struck out, which the judge obliged and adjourned to next day for continuation of hearing. There was a twist on the following day with the appearance of a counsel to Arc. Dr. Oyinmiebi Bribena, who filed an application to be joined to the suit as an interested party.
He argued that Arc. Dr. Oyinmiebi Bribena had already instituted a motion in Suit No: BYHC/SHC/CV/30/2025 which had already come up on Friday 11th April 2025 seeking for the postponement of the Agbere Amananaowe Election. The application was turned down. The Presiding Judge adjourned the suit till Monday 28th April 2025 (which held on 29th May 2025), to give the defendants opportunity to be heard in the interest of fair hearing. The case has been further adjorned to 9th May 2025 for hearing.
Meanwhile, prominent sons and daughters of Agbere Community are mounting pressure and calling for the removal of the Acting Paramount Ruler over alleged complicity in the rising threat to peace in the community.
According to those calling for the sack of the Acting Paramount Ruler, he has allegedly been unable to defend all allegations levelled against him by the contestants and Indigenes of the community.
According to one of the Indigenes, (names withheld), ” shockingly, the Agbere Electoral Committee Chairman released a statement on on various social media plaforms and whatsapp groups including PH Agbereowei, Agbere Keniwenimo and Agbere Progressive Forum that deliberately lied to Agbere Community and the general public that it was Arc. Dr. Oyinmiebi Bribena and Hon. Jonathan Hamo law suite that caused the judge to give a restraining order to stop the Agbere election.”
In the statement, it reads thus:
“AGBERE AMANANAOWEI ELECO
Greetings to all well-meaning and illustrious sons and daughters of Agbere Community. We are sorry to bring to your notice that the election processes to the stool of the Amananawei of Agbere Community has been put on hold due to certain unforeseen circumstances
The major challenge was our inability to secure approval from the police to cover the election on the election day as that day coincides with the planned mega rally by George Turner and Co.
Also there are some legal issues from Miebi Bribena seeking to suspend the election indefinitely
However, we are studying the situation and consulting with relevant stakeholders on the way forward. We regret the inconveniences this may cause the candidates and the entire community while thanking you for your patience and understanding, a new date will be announced as soon as necessary
Dr Tarila Nikade
Eleco chairman
23.4.2025.”
Already the allegations and counter allegations of wrong doings have thrown up the controversy surrounding the death of Mr Clement Hamo. He was involved in the contest for the Amanaowei of Agbere stool at the time of his death.
According to those holding firm to the claim of suspicion on the death of Clement Hamo, “Most members of the Hamo and Bribena family are of the firm belief until proven otherwise that his abduction and gruesome murder is connected to the contest of the Amanaowei of Agbere stool.”
“It is based on this conviction that the members of the family viewed with disgust the indecent haste with which the Leadership of the community attempted to commence the election of the Amanaowei of Agbere on the 7th of January 2025 less than 10 days after the discovery of the headless and mutilated body of our son Clement Hamo. The family therefore protested to the Amanaowei in Council.”
They claimed that Mr Adagbanya Jonathan Hamo made several efforts to get the Acting Amanaowei and leaders of the community to initiate investigations on the possible cause of death of his younger brother whose abduction and murder took place in the community after attending a community function.
“His overtures to the Acting Amanaowei and Leaders of the community did not yield any positive result. It is unfortunate that the Amanaowei in Council and leaders of the Community have not taken any steps till date to unravel the mystery surrounding his gruesome murder.”
“When it became obvious that the Amanaowei in Council and leaders of the community were more interested in conducting the Amanaowei election in which our late son would have participated instead of unravelling the mystery surrounding his death, Mr Adagbanya Hamo was mandated to Petition the AIG zone 16 to investigate the abduction and gruesome murder of our son.”
” Instead of getting the cooperation of the leaders of the community to aid the investigation, the family has received aggression from certain quarters for reporting the matter to the police.”
“Because of our firm belief until proven otherwise that the death of Mr Clement Hamo was connected to the Amanaowei contest and the hasty and indecent manner in which attempts were being made to fill the vacant Amanaowei stool without investigating the gruesome murder of Clement Hamo in Agbere town and to forestall future occurrences of such dastardly acts, Dr Oyinmiebi Bribena and Mr Adagbanya Hamo took further steps to initiate legal actions necessary to ensure that the family gets justice on the matter.”
They accused the Electoral Committee of exhibiting alleged bias by not informing Agbere community about the real reasons for postponing the elections,” You failed to inform the public that Chief Reid Aladei and Chief Julius Torunarigha sued the Electoral Committee and the Acting Amanaowei in suit No BYHC/SH/CV/32/2025 at the Bayelsa State High Court, Sagbama Judicial Division, complaining that the Acting Amanaowei wanted to extend his tenure in office by forestalling the election of a new Amanaowei.”
” The reasons adduced in the Statement on Oath by Chief Reid Aladei on the matter clearly showed the reason why the matter was instituted. It had nothing to do with the matter initiated by Dr Oyinmiebi Bribena and Mr Adagbanya Hamo( see paragraphs 19 & 23 of the deposition on oath by Chief Reid Aladei on the matter). It is the fall out of this suit initiated by Chief Reid Aladei & 2 others that resulted in a Ruling by the Court to maintain the status-quo.”
“This necessitated the indefinite postponement of the elections. Yet you did not make any reference to the suit initiated by Chief Reid Aladei and 2 others against you and the Acting Amanaowei in your press release on the postponement of the election. Why did you avoid stating this obvious fact in your press release?”
” This grave omission by you in not mentioning the main reason why the election was postponed shows that you cannot be trusted to conduct a credible election for the Amanaowei stool in Agbere.”
” It was insidious of you, to mislead the unsuspecting public and try to cause disaffection against Dr Oyinmiebi Bribena and Mr Adagbanya Hamo in the community by creating the impression in your press release that they were responsible for the postponement of the elections knowing same not to be true.”
” You also disrespected our families, by falsely deposing to an affidavit that Dr Miebi Bribena and Mr Adagbanya Hamo were acting in their personal interest and not the interest of our families in the matter they instituted against the electoral committee and Acting Amanaowei. That is most unfortunate. You are not a member of the Bribena or Hamo family and so had no authority to make such assertion.”
It was gathered by newsmen that there was in another twist to the events during a meeting held at the Agbere Town Hall by the Council of Chiefs on Sunday, 27th of April 2025 and presided by the secretary of the Council of Chiefs, Chief Don-Felix Alale.
Chief Don-Felix Alale reportedly informed members of Agbere Community that the Council of Chiefs, the Electoral Committee and the Contestants of the Amanaowei stool met and allegedly connived together for the Contestants to sue the Amanaowei and ELECO using the funds of the Community for that purpose.
According to those present at the said meeting, the Acting Amanaowei and The Chairman of the Agbere Electoral Commission were conspicuously absent,” This direct admission of alleged conspiracy to commit fraud is very worrisome, scandalous and calls for investigation.”
Chief Don-Felix Alale, we gathered, also attempted to mislead the community on the reason for the postponement of the election.
However, Concerned Citizens of Agbere are also calling for the resignation of The Secretary of Agbere Council of Chiefs, Chief Don-Felix Alale.
According to our source, who is from Agbere community, It also appears that the Agbere Electoral Committee Chairman is allegedly running a one man show probably aided by a sponsor who is interested in influencing the election in favour of a particular candidate.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
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