ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The people of Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have reiterated that their paramount ruler, King Aseimieghe Ofongo, remains unrecognised and dethroned over his alleged balkanisation of the community into factions.
The chiefs, elders, leaders of thought and the community folks made the claim at a recent meeting to reaffirm the monarch’s dethronement.
They maintained that their position followed the monarch’s alleged serial breach of the community’s constitution and conniving with an oil major and oil surveillance contractors to lead soldiers to invade their community for selfish ends.
The motion to reject and dethrone the paramount ruler was moved by Chief Goodnews Jonathan, seconded by Chief Jeremiah Young and adopted by the entire community.
They said that because of the invasion of Igbomotoru community, soldiers allegedly burnt down their properties, destroyed their sources of livelihood, dehumanised women and children, young and old and had been carrying out indiscriminate arrests of indigenes since June 22, 2022.
The people noted that in a well-attended general meeting of community members a few days ago, they resolved to henceforth cease to admit Ofongo in its fold or recognise him as the paramount ruler of the community.
The community also sent a save our soul (SOS) message to Governor Douye Diri to wade into their plight.
They claimed that the military men stationed in houseboats in the community owned by a prominent politician, and named after the politician’s biological daughter “IFIEMI” had refused building materials, medical supplies, food and other necessaries to freely enter into the community even when it was not at war with any individual, company or government.
They said: “We also use this occasion to alert the international community of the ill-fate that has befallen us over the incident.”