Ikebiri Kingdom debunks reports on suspension of Ikebiri 3 Paramount Chief, Chief Sylvester O. Ebitei ….insist Kingdom remains committed to peace, stability

Elders and Stakeholders of the Opuadino (Ikebiri 3) community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has dismissed as misleading the purported suspension of the paramount Chief, Chief Sylvester O. Ebitei.

According to the leadership of the community, the statement announcing the purported suspension signed by Chief Francis Timi Ododo is not only misleading but is also incongruous and therefore rejected by the people of Opuadino

In the statement issued and signed by Ezekiel I. Frank (Treasurer, Opuadino Ikebiri 3), Chief Pere Taylor, (Central Market Compound, Opuadino Ikebiri 3), Chief Disebo Tikpama (Okumotorupa Compound, Opuadino Ikebiri 3), Wisdom Taylor (Former CDC Chairman, Opuadino Ikebiri 3), Joseph Iguniseighe, (Former CDC Chairman Opuadino kebiri 3 ) and Beleuebi Walson Former CDC Chairman Opuadino, Ikebiri 3),denied the claims that the termination of the Paramount Chief appointment was approved by the Ikebiri Kingdom Council of chiefs during an emergency meeting,”This is a clear fabrication and is therefore an embarrassment to the people as Ikebiri Kingdom Council of Chiefs which comprises of the council of Chiefs of all three Ikebiri communities has not held any Council meeting for over 3 years”.

“Amongst the reasons for the suspension of Chief Francis Timi Ododo as the paramount ruler of Ikebiri was also as a result of Chief Francis Timi Ododo’s deliberate refusal to convene a general meeting for more than 7 years now, which is in gross violation of the laws of the land. This has no direct bearing to Chief Sylvester as a person nor his office.”

“We therefore urge chief Francis Timi Ododo to concentrate his energies towards resolving his differences with the people of Ikebiri 1 community and leave Chief Sylvester O. Ebitei and the Opuadino community out of his challenges as Chief Sylvester O. Ebitei is still the duly recognised paramount chief of Opuadino ( Ikebiri 3)”

Meanwhile, The Caretaker Executive of Ikebiri Kingdom, working in concert with the Chiefs of the various communities has also affirmed that the purported suspension of Chief Sylvester O. Ebitei as the Paramount Chief of Opuadino Communities (Ikebiri III) did not follow due process and is illegal, null and void.

According to the statement signed and issued by the Caretaker Chairman, Chief Lumumba Tuke and Secetary, Ephraim Fabo, the signatory to the purported suspension of the Paramount Ruler, Chief Francis Timi Ododo, did not convene, summon, or participate in any recognized meeting of the Ikebiri traditional leadership—be it the General Council, Executive Council, or community delegates, to discuss the status of Chief Sylvester O. Ebitei

“Investigation also revealed that No formal notice was issued, and no meeting on this matter ever occurred.”

“The Caretaker Executive confirms that no traditional resolution, vote, or formal process regarding the removal or suspension of the Paramount Chief of Opuadino Community was placed before the Chiefs of Ikebiri Kingdom.”

“Any claims suggesting such a process are wholly unfounded and lack backing from any legitimate traditional structure recognised in the kingdom.”

“For clarity and public confidence, Chief Sylvester O. Ebitei remains the lawful and recognized Paramount Chief of Opuadino (Ikebiri III). His authority has not been questioned, reviewed, or revoked by the Caretaker Executive and the Chiefs.”

“The conduct of the suspended Paramount Ruler, Chief Francis Timi Ododo, in making unilateral pronouncements without consultation or procedural legitimacy, constitutes a serious violation of established traditional protocols.”

“Such actions risk undermining communal harmony and pose a threat to the peace and stability of Ikebiri Kingdom.The Caretaker Executive and the Chiefs jointly warn that any person or group attempting to circulate, enforce, promote, or exploit the said unauthorized pronouncement is acting against the interest of Ikebiri Kingdom and may be held responsible for any resulting unrest or breach of peace.”

“The public is therefore strongly advised to disregard this unauthorized statement issued by the suspended Paramount Ruler. It does not reflect the position, decision, or consensus of the Caretaker Executive and Chiefs of Ikebiri Kingdom.”

“The leadership of Ikebiri Kingdom remains committed to peace, stability, and the proper observance of traditional procedures. Chief Sylvester O. Ebitei continues to serve as the legitimate Paramount Chief of Ikebiri III, fully backed by the Caretaker Executive and the Chiefs.”

Comments

comments