Bayelsa Government Ends Twon-Brass Kingdom Leadership Dispute

The Bayelsa State Government has successfully intervened to resolve the protracted leadership crisis within the Twon-Brass Kingdom. This intervention saw all involved parties agree to immediately withdraw all ongoing legal actions related to the dispute.

Furthermore, the state government has directed all its officially recognized communities to manage their affairs using constitutions that comply with the provisions of the state’s Community Administration and Chieftaincy Law. This measure aims to foster effective leadership at the grassroots level.

Dr. Peter Akpe, the Deputy Governor, made these announcements on Thursday during a meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa. The gathering included leaders from the five communities within the Twon-Brass Kingdom and other senior government officials. Dr. Akpe appealed to the populace to support the government's efforts in maintaining the existing peace across the state.

Outlining the key outcomes of the meeting, Akpe clarified that while all five paramount rulers hold equal authority, one will assume a coordinating role for a maximum duration of one year. This temporary arrangement is designed to prevent any leadership void within the kingdom and will remain until a new Amanyanabo is enthroned.

Chief Beinmo Rufus-Spiff was named as the Coordinating Amadabo for the upcoming year, with his tenure commencing on June 17, 2026. Akpe also revealed the formation of a five-member committee tasked with drafting a constitution for the kingdom, with each of the five communities nominating a representative. Chief Claudius Kune-Igoni of Kemmer-Ama will chair this committee, whose members include Chief Sisei Eke-Spiff Samuel (Ada-Ama), Chief James Sokari (Cameron-Ama), Chief Randy Sobogboma (Shidi-Ama), and Chief Bio Gbeghasa (Sambo-Ama). The committee has been given an eight-week deadline to complete its assignment.

The Deputy Governor lauded all stakeholders for their calm and mature approach during the deliberations, urging the paramount rulers and other key figures in Twon-Brass to view themselves as “brothers from one large family” dedicated to the kingdom's advancement. He stated, “On the issue of leadership, the five Amadabos have equal powers, but at particular times, such as the situation the kingdom is in now, there will be a need for a coordinating Amadabo.”

Akpe further explained that “That coordination does not give the coordinator any exclusive powers. You are just a coordinator among equals for a maximum tenure of one year, as agreed. But if a king is not enthroned, there will be another coordinator who will be elected a month before the expiration of the one-year tenure.” He confirmed that the Amadabo of Cameron-Ama would initiate the coordinating process from June 17, 2026, overseeing the kingdom's affairs, including finances, and reporting monthly to the other Amadabos. He reiterated the agreement for all court cases to be withdrawn and emphasized the urgent necessity for Twon-Brass to have a constitution.

Akpe additionally highlighted the importance of all communities in the state possessing functional constitutions to streamline administration and mitigate conflicts, aligning with Governor Douye Diri’s agenda for peace and security. He noted that the absence of formal, written constitutions often fuels unnecessary disagreements and leadership disputes, which can escalate into full-blown communal crises. “We have proposed in the Community Administration Bill currently before the House of Assembly that all communities recognised by the state government should have a constitution,” he mentioned, adding that the bill also provides for fourth-class stools. He stressed that any government-recognized community must have a constitution, ensuring that its provisions are consistent with the State Chieftaincy Law and do not exceed its powers, thereby aiding effective community administration.

Among those who presented at the meeting were Chief Ralph Sambo (paramount ruler of Sambo-Ama), Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff (paramount ruler of Ada-Ama), Chief Beinmo Rufus-Spiff (paramount ruler of Cameron-Ama), Chief Oton Efebo-Shidi (paramount ruler of Shidi-Ama), and Chief Israel Sunny Goli (paramount ruler of Kemmer-Ama).