“Fear Grips Agbidiama as Community Leaders Cry for Help Over Escalating Leadership Crisis”
By Passman Akpos
A serious leadership crisis has reportedly engulfed Agbidiama Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, with community leaders alleging intimidation, harassment, threats to life, and attempts to force the reinstatement of a traditional ruler who was indefinitely suspended earlier this year.
According to community leaders, the crisis originated from a unanimous decision reached during a general meeting of Agbidiama Federated Community on January 6, 2026, where members resolved to indefinitely suspend the Paramount Ruler and Amanawei of the community, HRH Kipasa Emcy Indiowou, over allegations of gross misconduct, violations of community customs and traditions, and acts considered abominable by the community
The decision was formally communicated to the Bayelsa State Government through a letter dated January 7, 2026, addressed to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The letter also announced the appointment of Mr. Boro Clarkson as Acting Highness to oversee the affairs of the community pending the resolution of the matter, in order to prevent a leadership vacuum.
The suspension notice was endorsed by several prominent leaders and stakeholders of the community, including High Chief Dennis Apelebiri, High Chief Ebimene J. Ekpetun, Chief Pere D. Fungewei, Chief Felix Ayeghe, Chief Christian Bouwurufa, CDC Chairman Mr. Kala Alaru, General Secretary Mr. Ebisine Eleleghe, Quarter Chairmen Mr. Moses Wareyai, Mr. Zide Ebimienwei, Mr. Elaboufagha Seijor and Mr. Ziebidei Dege, Youth President Mr. Akpos Clarkowei, Women Leader Mrs. Ebi Innocent, and Quarter Secretary Mr. Smart Agobra.
However, six months after the suspension, fresh tension has erupted in the oil-producing community.
Community leaders allege that the suspended monarch has mobilized supporters in a bid to secure what they describe as a forceful reinstatement. They claim that since Saturday, June 21, 2026, residents have been living under fear as pressure mounts on community leaders to endorse documents supporting the monarch’s return to office.
According to the allegations, chiefs, members of the Community Development Committee (CDC), and other leaders are being subjected to intense pressure and intimidation to sign letters approving the reinstatement of the suspended ruler.
Residents who oppose the move also claim that their lives and properties have been placed at risk, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty throughout the community.
Community sources further allege that threats to life, suppression of dissenting voices, harassment, intimidation, and violations of fundamental human rights have become prevalent in recent days.
“The community is being terrorized, and people are living in fear,” one community leader stated. “The soul of Agbidiama is bleeding and crying for help.”
Despite the heightened tension, community leaders acknowledged that no deaths or serious injuries have been officially recorded, which they attributed to divine intervention and restraint among residents.
They maintained that the reinstatement of any suspended public office holder or traditional ruler should be pursued through lawful, peaceful, and transparent processes rather than through coercion, intimidation, threats, or any form of violence.
The leaders have therefore called on the Bayelsa State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and human rights organizations to urgently intervene and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
As of the time of filing this report, HRH Kipasa Emcy Indiowou had not publicly responded to the allegations. Independent confirmation of some of the claims made by the community leaders was not immediately available.
Residents say they hope that swift intervention by relevant authorities will restore peace, protect lives and property, and preserve the unity and stability of Agbidiama Community.
