Stakeholders and concerned Indigenes of the Ikebiri Kingdom which comprised Ikebiri 1, Ikebiri 2, and Ikebiri 3 (Opuadino) communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State have restored peace to the community with the unanimous suspension of former Highness (Chief) Francis Timi Ododo from his position as the Amananaowei of the Ikebiri Kingdom.
The suspension, which was passed by majority of the stakeholders that attended the general meeting held on Saturday, 26th July 2025 accused the sacked Amananaowei of
gross derelictions of duties and breach of traditional responsibilities in Ikebiri Kingdom and disobedience of constituted authorities.
The Indigenes and Stakeholders, with over two thousand signatures cutting across the three communities signed during the meeting, Also accused the sacked traditional head of deliberately refusing to call for a general meeting over the past Ten Years (10yrs) in outright disobedience of a decision by the Bayelsa State Traditional rulers Council’s directives and protocols.
According to the notice, one of the major reasons was the complex Failure and outright negligence in performing core duties, specifically his refusal to initiate and constitute the electoral process for the bye-law election to replace the late Deputy Paramount Ruler since 2015 till date.
Gross violation of duties and failure to render financial accounts for over 13yrs, thereby undermining transparency and community trust.
See Some of the ground below; “1. Disobedience/Negligence of the Constitution of Ikebiri Kingdom By his consistent refusal to convene the constitutionally mandated quarterly general meetings of the Ikebiri Kingdom for a period of ten (10) years (2015-2025), His Highness has demonstrated a clear neglect of his constitutional obligations as the traditional head of Ikebiri Kingdom. (Reference: Ikebiri Kingdom constitution, chapter 6, pt.2 subsection 1 and 4).”
“2. Outright Disobedience to a Revered Establishment – the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council. His Highness has shown deliberate defiance to the directives of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, operating under the Office of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, in the following instances:
a) Refusal to convene the Ikebiri Kingdom General Meeting, as instructed.
b) Refusal to formally appoint a Constitution Amendment Committee in a duly convened general meeting. (Reference: Proceedings of Matters Between Concerned Citizens of Ikebir Kingdom and HRH Chief Francis T. Ododo, chaired by HRH Job B.G. Ayawei, dated 31st August 2022, p. 24).”
“3. Outright Negligence of Duties / Refusal to Institute Electoral Processes for the conduct of a Bye-election to Replace the Late Deputy Paramount Ruler since 2015 – 2025). His failure to initiate the process for the conduct of a Kingdom-wide Bye-election to fill the long-vacant position of Deputy Paramount Ruler, spanning a decade (2015-2025), constitutes gross administrative negligence.”
In light of these actions, and to ensure continuity, stability, and responsible governance, the community has peacefully appointed a Caretaker Committee through a transparent nomination process to oversee the affairs of the kingdom.
The newly appointed Caretaker Committee comprises the following individuals:
1. Chief Lumumba Tuke – Chairman
2. Zebulon Festus – Vice Chairman
3. Ephram Fabo – Secretary
4. Melford Amayouowei – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
5. Olu Newton – Financial Secretary
6. Abule Abrahim – Treasurer
The New leadership of Ikebiri Kingdom
Responsibilities of the caretaker government is to serve the people of Ikebiri Kingdom and to stabilize the community, promote unity, uphold traditional laws, and restore confidence in the governance of the Ikebiri Kingdom.
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