Bayelsa resolves Twon-Brass leadership crisis, orders withdrawal of court cases

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has resolved the protracted leadership dispute in Twon-Brass Kingdom following its intervention and an agreement by all parties involved to immediately withdraw ongoing court cases related to the crisis.

The government also directed all state-recognised communities to operate with constitutions that align with the provisions of the Bayelsa State Community Administration and Chieftaincy Law to promote effective grassroots leadership and reduce communal conflicts.

Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of the five communities in Twon-Brass Kingdom and senior government officials in Yenagoa.

He urged residents to support government efforts aimed at sustaining peace and stability across the state.

Outlining the resolutions reached at the meeting, Akpe explained that although the five paramount rulers in the kingdom possess equal authority, one of them would serve as a coordinating leader for a maximum period of one year to prevent a leadership vacuum.

According to him, the arrangement will remain in place pending the enthronement of a new Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom.

The deputy governor announced the appointment of Chief Beinmo Rufus-Spiff as the Coordinating Amadabo for a one-year tenure effective June 17, 2026.

He also unveiled a five-member constitution drafting committee, comprising one representative from each of the five communities, with Chief Claudius Kune-Igoni of Kemmer-Ama appointed as chairman.

“On the issue of leadership, the five Amadabos have equal powers, but at particular times like the situation the kingdom is facing now, there is a need for a coordinating Amadabo,” Akpe said.

“That coordination does not confer exclusive powers on the coordinator. He is simply a coordinator among equals for a maximum tenure of one year as agreed. If a king is not enthroned by the end of the tenure, another coordinator will be elected one month before the expiration of the current term.”

He added that the Coordinating Amadabo would oversee the affairs of the kingdom, including financial matters, and provide monthly reports to the other Amadabos.

Akpe further stated that all pending court cases arising from the leadership dispute would be withdrawn as part of the peace agreement.

The constitution drafting committee, which has been given eight weeks to complete its assignment, comprises Chief Sisei Eke-Spiff Samuel (Ada-Ama), Chief James Sokari (Cameron-Ama), Chief Randy Sobogboma (Shidi-Ama), Chief Bio Gbeghasa (Sambo-Ama) and representatives from Kemmer-Ama.

The deputy governor commended the parties for their maturity and peaceful disposition during the reconciliation process and urged them to continue to work together for the development of the kingdom.

He also stressed the importance of functional community constitutions, noting that they would enhance administration and reduce recurring leadership disputes.

According to him, the absence of written constitutions in many communities often creates room for disagreements that can escalate into communal crises.

Akpe disclosed that the proposed Community Administration Bill currently before the Bayelsa State House of Assembly includes provisions requiring all government-recognised communities to adopt constitutions consistent with the state’s chieftaincy laws.

“We have proposed in the Community Administration Bill before the House of Assembly that every community recognised by the state government must have a constitution,” he said.

“Everything contained in a community’s constitution must be in line with the State Chieftaincy Law. This will help us administer our communities more effectively.”

Among those who made presentations at the meeting were the paramount rulers of Sambo-Ama, Chief Ralph Sambo; Ada-Ama, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff; Cameron-Ama, Chief Beinmo Rufus-Spiff; Shidi-Ama, Chief Oton Efebo-Shidi; and Kemmer-Ama, Chief Israel Sunny Goli.

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