24/06/2026
Government Frowns at Unlawful Removal of Paramount Rulers
The Bayelsa State Government, through the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, has cautioned community leaders and members against the illegal removal of community paramount rulers, urging citizens to uphold the state's traditional rulers and chieftaincy law and refrain from actions capable of undermining the resolutions of the government on chieftaincy matters.
Speaking during a meeting with leaders and members of Ayamabele community at the Ministry Conference Hall on Jun 23, 2026, over a chieftaincy settlement, Chief Amule stressed that respect for the rule of law of the State remains crucial in sustaining peace, order and stability in communities across the state. The Commissioner stated that the current Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law is the only official rule that controls how long paramount rulers can serve, how they are recognised, and how they operate and that only the government has the power to remove or suspend any traditional ruler. He warned against any attempt by any member or group of people to disregard or evade the provisions of the law, noting that the state government would continue to ensure strict compliance with the legal framework guiding traditional institutions.
Chief Amule called on all citizens of Ayamabele to cooperate with the traditional ruler. He emphasised that only cooperation and adherence to established procedures would promote lasting peace, love, unity and sustainable development in the community. While he reassured the community leaders and members of the state government's commitment to ensuring fairness, justice and transparency in the handling of all chieftaincy matters.
Also speaking, the mayor of Yenagoa Local Government Council, Honourable Buloudisiye Ndiwari, admonished members of Ayamabele community to embrace peace and shun acts capable of plunging the community into conflict and destruction.
Honourable Ndiwari further stressed the need for the community to develop a functional constitution to regulate its affairs and prevent unnecessary crises in the future.
In his remarks, the special adviser to the governor on chieftaincy affairs, High Chief Bertola Perekeme, PhD, urged communities to always refer to the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Laws when handling chieftaincy issues.
He warned that any individual or group that attempts to remove a gazetted paramount ruler outside the provisions of the law is acting contrary to the state's legal framework and would be sanctioned accordingly.
According to him, the state's Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law prescribes penalties, including fines, for persons found guilty of violating its provisions.
Earlier, the paramount ruler of Ayamabele Community, Chief Akori A. Walter, alleged that some members of the community, without proper knowledge of the state's traditional rulers and chieftaincy laws, had sought to dethrone him unlawfully.
The traditional ruler, Chief Akori explained that the aggrieved members proposed a four-year tenure for the office of the paramount ruler, claiming he had remained in office for too long and should abdicate his position to pave the way for fresh elections.
The meeting formed part of the Bayelsa State Government's efforts to promote peaceful resolution of chieftaincy disputes and ensure strict compliance with the laws governing traditional institutions across the state.
Others at the meeting included government officials, the permanent secretary of the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kemedei Doubra, Mrs Domo-Spiff Boma and community leaders.
