The Bayelsa State Government has announced the immediate dissolution of the Caretaker Committee overseeing Gbarantoru Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, amid an escalating chieftaincy dispute. The government also directed all parties involved to restore the leadership structure that existed before the contentious court judgment that nullified the election of His Royal Highness Igonia Dakolo as paramount ruler.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo during a tense meeting with both factions, representatives of the Ekpetiama Clan Council of Chiefs, and top government officials at the Government House in Yenagoa. Ewhrudjakpo issued a stern warning to all parties, urging them to refrain from actions that could destabilize the community as the matter remains before the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt.
The Deputy Governor underscored the importance of unity and peace, emphasizing that personal ambitions must be sacrificed for the common good. He appealed to the feuding groups to allow calm to prevail while the legal process unfolds. "There is a compelling need to resolve intra-communal differences and work towards peace," Ewhrudjakpo stressed.
He further assured that the government would push for an expedited hearing at the appellate court to ensure the case is resolved promptly. "The caretaker committee is dissolved with immediate effect. As far as the law is concerned, an appeal itself serves as a stay of execution. Therefore, the status quo ante remains in place until the court makes a final determination,” he declared.
The state government's decision was met with mixed reactions. Mr. Indali Kemela Steve, representing the Chief Gbogbo Ebipa-led faction, expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention but voiced concerns over the absence of a neutral body to manage the contested Amananaowei stool during the legal process.
The meeting brought together prominent figures from the state, including Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN); Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; Agriculture Commissioner, Prof. Beke Sese; and Chief Thompson Amule, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Also in attendance were the paramount ruler of Bumoundi Community, His Highness Maurice Lagos, and His Highness Izonbodei Engeribo of Ikibiri.
Amid rising tensions, His Royal Highness Igonia Dakolo, whose election as paramount ruler was invalidated by the court ruling, was present alongside members of the Chief Gbogbo Ebipa faction.
The state government’s decisive action has cast a spotlight on the deepening chieftaincy crisis that has gripped Gbarantoru. With the legal battle now shifting to the appellate court, the stakes are high, and the struggle for leadership remains far from over. The government has promised to accelerate the legal process to restore stability, but whether peace will prevail in the divided community remains uncertain.
