Bayelsa Government Warns Against Illegal Removal of Paramount Rulers, Tree Felling
By Passman Akpos
Yenagoa — The Bayelsa State Government has cautioned communities, groups, and individuals against the unlawful removal of duly recognized paramount rulers without following the procedures outlined in the state’s chieftaincy law.
The warning was issued by the State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, over the weekend during a meeting involving senior government officials and community leaders of Ofoni and Lalagbene in Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo frowned at recent attempts by certain individuals to unseat the Amananaowei (paramount ruler) of Lalagbene Community, describing such actions as illegal and a violation of the state’s chieftaincy regulations. He emphasized that only the Governor has the authority to suspend or remove a recognized traditional ruler after due process and investigation.
> “Government frowns seriously on the resort to self-help in matters pertaining to traditional titles and chieftaincy issues,” he said. “Once a person has been issued a certificate of recognition by government, nobody — no matter how highly placed — can remove that person without the Governor’s approval.
“Before such a person can be removed, submissions must be made to the Governor, who alone has the power to suspend or remove a paramount ruler after a thorough investigation,” the Deputy Governor stressed.
Ewhrudjakpo added that any attempt to forcibly remove a traditional ruler without due process would be considered null and void in the eyes of the law.
The Deputy Governor also issued a stern warning to those involved in the indiscriminate felling of trees across the state’s forests for timber and logging purposes, reminding them that the government’s regulation on wood logging remains in force. He said law enforcement agencies had been directed to arrest and prosecute violators across all eight local government areas.
> “Lawlessness doesn’t give birth to law; likewise, illegality doesn’t give birth to legality,” Ewhrudjakpo stated. “Those who go into our forests to fell trees without permission from relevant authorities should be ready to face the wrath of the law.”
During the meeting, convened to address a boundary dispute between Ofoni and Lalagbene communities, the Deputy Governor recused himself from presiding to ensure fairness, directing the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), to chair the session in his stead as head of the State Boundary Committee.
In his remarks, Mr. Dambo appealed to both communities to maintain the peaceful and cordial relationship they had enjoyed over the years. He assured that the government might send a fact-finding team to the disputed area to properly delineate boundaries and prevent future hostilities.
> “The government takes issues of peace and security very seriously,” the Attorney-General said. “We will work to ensure that this matter is resolved amicably and justly.”
Other officials present included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei; Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Perepuighe Biewari; and the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mr. Isaac Onniye.
Community representatives at the meeting included the Acting Paramount Ruler of Ofoni, Chief Matthew Ediruo; His Highness Volts Akpos of Lalagbene; CDC chairmen, Mr. David Onanieguno and Mr. Ayakabowei Noah; Dr. Andrew Ebakpa; Mr. Akponimisingha Kofi; and former member of the House of Representatives for Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Hon. Christopher Enai.
