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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.
Energy experts in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have defended the pricing structure of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing some fuel markers of attempting to blackmail the refinery and mislead the public over the recent increase in petrol prices.
The experts said reports suggesting that the refinery’s latest adjustment is solely responsible for the recent hike in fuel prices were misleading, noting that importers are also bringing in petrol at almost a N1,000 per litre, while the refinery’s coastal price is N948 and the gantry or ex-depot price stands at N995 per litre.
They stressed that public comparisons fail to consider the differences in pricing structures and supply channels.
According to the experts, N948 per litre represents the coastal delivery price, which refers to petroleum products transported by marine vessels or barges from the refinery to depots along the coastline. On the other hand, N995 per litre represents the gantry or ex-depot price, which is the rate paid by marketers who load petrol directly from the refinery into tanker trucks at the loading gantry for onward distribution across the country.
The experts explained that the two figures should not be interpreted as conflicting prices but rather as different logistics arrangements within the petroleum distribution chain.
Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, energy expert David Okon said the pricing adjustments were inevitable given prevailing market conditions.
According to him, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals operates in a deregulated market and procures crude at international prices, which have risen sharply due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“The refinery is already absorbing part of the cost to cushion the impact of the crisis on Nigerians. We can see what is happening in other parts of the world where shortages and scarcity are being reported despite higher prices, yet the Dangote Refinery has continued to guarantee domestic supply,” he said.
Okon explained that when the refinery previously sold petrol at N774 per litre, crude oil was landing at about $68 per barrel. However, with crude now arriving at roughly $95 per barrel, the cost difference of about $27 per barrel translates to nearly N40,000 per barrel when converted to Naira.
“You cannot expect a refinery to continue selling at the old rate under those circumstances,” he added.
“If imported products were truly cheaper, importers would still be selling at the previous prices.”
He warned that without local refining capacity, Nigeria could have faced severe fuel shortages, long queues at filling stations and a resurgence of black market sales.
“Without the Dangote Refinery, many filling stations would likely shut down, queues would return across the country and black market traders would exploit the situation, hawking four litres keg at N20,000 or more. The refinery has effectively prevented that scenario,” he said.
Another analyst, Mohammed Ibrahim, also faulted narratives circulating in some quarters suggesting that the refinery’s pricing adjustment was responsible for worsening economic hardship in the country.
Accusing some importers of attempting to manipulate public perception, he said, “What we are seeing is nothing but deliberate blackmail by some fuel importers who feel threatened by local refining.
“They are twisting the pricing structure to mislead Nigerians and create unnecessary panic in the market.
“By exaggerating the refinery’s gantry price and ignoring the comparable costs of imported fuel, they are trying to make it appear as though Dangote Refinery is the cause of rising prices and economic hardship. This is a calculated attempt to protect their import businesses and undermine local refining, which is meant to reduce our dependence on imported petrol.”
Ibrahim added that such narratives were aimed at portraying the refinery as the reason Nigerians were struggling with higher petrol prices.
He stressed that petrol pricing in Nigeria is largely influenced by global crude oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and distribution logistics, noting that these factors affect both locally refined and imported fuel in the country’s deregulated market.
Afolabi Olowookere, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources (ADSR) Limited, explained that although Nigerians expect refined products from the refinery to be significantly cheaper, prevailing market realities such as global crude oil prices, the cost of crude supply and refining margins make substantial price reductions unlikely in the short term.
“Therefore, improving domestic crude allocation to the refinery would strengthen supply stability and enhance the long term benefits of local refining for the economy,” Olowookere noted.
Recent conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions along key shipping lanes have tightened global oil supply, pushing crude prices past $90 per barrel, a development that directly raises the cost of both imported and locally refined petrol in Nigeria.
The unrest has pushed up fuel costs and transportation in several countries, including Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, and Japan, as rising crude prices increase the cost of refining, distribution, and logistics globally.
CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON EMPOWERS 300 WIDOWS IN IMO
A renowned humanitarian and proud daughter of Mbaise in Imo State, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has empowered over 300 widows and vulnerable women across the Owerri Zone, in a remarkable demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Palace of the Eze of Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and beneficiaries from different communities within the zone.
During the event, the widows received food materials and cash support, aimed at helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The initiative was widely applauded as a timely intervention to support women who often face severe economic hardship after losing their spouses.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to High Chief (Dr.) Nwoga-Ecton, describing the empowerment as a lifeline that would help them take better care of their families.
Some widows, while offering prayers for the philanthropist, noted that the gesture had restored hope and dignity in their lives.
Fondly known as Ada Imo and Adaure, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton has earned widespread admiration for her consistent humanitarian efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.
Through her philanthropic activities and foundations, she has continued to support widows, children, and vulnerable communities with interventions in healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment.
Community stakeholders who attended the programme commended the Mbaise-born philanthropist for her generosity and dedication to uplifting the less privileged, noting that her actions reflect true leadership and compassion.
Observers say the initiative further reinforces her growing reputation as one of the most impactful humanitarians of this generation, whose commitment to humanity continues to inspire hope across Imo State and beyond.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ADMIN KING OF THE UKA THRONE
March 6, 2026 – In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson, as the Acting Admin King of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of Official Emperor Admin of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to competence, dedication, and integrity as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
Report Highlights:
– Nominee: King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– Objective: Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– Focus: Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– Impact: Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– Next Steps: Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
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