Bayelsa State Government has formed a five-member committee to resolve the longstanding chieftaincy conflict in Polaku Community, in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA).
The committee, which was set up on Thursday in Yenagoa, is led by Biriyai Dambo (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
One of its key tasks is to determine whether the Polaku chieftaincy stool has been officially documented, as claimed by the paramount ruler of the community.
Other members of the committee include Watson Belemote, Commissioner for Community Development; Thompson Amule, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; retired CP Akpoebi Agberebi, Special Adviser on Security; and Perekeme Bertola, Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters. The team has been given three weeks to complete its investigation and present a report.
During the inauguration of the committee, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo urged all communities to respect the state’s chieftaincy laws.
Ewhrudjakpo clarified that, under existing laws, only the governor has the authority to remove a traditional ruler, and such action must be based on proven misconduct following a thorough investigation.
He appealed to the opposing factions in Polaku and the community at large to remain calm and maintain the current state of affairs while the investigation is ongoing.
The Deputy Governor also directed Tarila Club, the Mayor of Yenagoa, to formally apologize to Bulodisiye Ndiwari, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government, for his conduct during a recent reconciliation meeting. A copy of the apology is to be submitted to the deputy governor’s office to emphasize respect for authority.
Ewhrudjakpo further warned against individuals taking matters into their own hands, adding that everyone, including families and communities, must adhere to the rule of law.
He reminded them of the Nigerian Constitution’s provision requiring compliance with court rulings until such decisions are overturned.
Ewhrudjakpo said:
“The laws of Bayelsa State take precedence over those of Polaku and every other community in the state.”
