“Disregard the News” — Agbidiama Leaders Denounce Alleged Return of Suspended Paramount Ruler
..........Agbidiama Leaders Reject Alleged Reinstatement of Suspended Paramount Ruler, Raise Alarm Over Intimidation
By Passman Akpos
AGBIDIAMA, BAYELSA STATE — Tension is brewing in Agbidiama Federated Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as community leaders have called on the public to disregard reports suggesting that suspended Paramount Ruler, Chief Kipasa Emcy Indiowou, has been reinstated.
In a statement jointly signed by three compound chairmen, the leaders insisted that no lawful reinstatement had taken place and described recent developments in the community as a violation of its customs and traditions.
According to the statement, a general meeting of the community held on June 20, 2026, and presided over by the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Mr. Kala Alaru, Acting Paramount Ruler Mr. Boro Clarkson, and members of the Council of Chiefs, resolved to reconvene to address the issue of the suspended monarch.
The leaders stated that the meeting also created an opportunity for Indiowou to take the necessary steps toward possible reinstatement, provided such actions complied with the established customs and traditions of Agbidiama Federated Community.
However, they alleged that the suspended ruler, rather than following the agreed process, mobilized supporters and individuals described as thugs on June 21, 2026, to pressure the community into immediately restoring him to office.
The statement further claimed that Indiowou’s supporters gathered at the community town hall and allegedly cited support from the Bayelsa State Government to justify their actions, a claim community leaders described as misleading.
According to the signatories, community leaders initially declined to attend the gathering but later the CDC Chairman and some chiefs visited the town hall to address those assembled. They alleged that the officials were subsequently held against their will and their presence used to legitimize what they described as a forceful and unlawful reinstatement process.
The community leaders also accused supporters of the suspended ruler of intimidation, harassment, and threats aimed at compelling chiefs and other stakeholders to endorse documents recognizing the purported reinstatement.
They claimed that some chiefs were forced to leave the community for fear of their safety after refusing to yield to pressure.
Expressing concern over the escalating situation, the leaders appealed to security agencies and the Bayelsa State Government to intervene urgently to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
They warned that failure to address the crisis could encourage violence, intimidation, cult-related activities, and other forms of criminality within the community.
The statement was signed by Mr. Elabofa Seizor, Chairman of Moriso-polo Compound; Mr. Zide Ebimienwei, Chairman of Aya-igede Compound; and Mr. Ziebide Dege, Chairman of Ebi-polo Compound.
Community members are now awaiting the response of relevant authorities as the dispute over the traditional leadership of Agbidiama continues to generate controversy.
