There is tension in Ikeburi 1 community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State over the unlawful removal of the traditional ruler, Chief Ododo Francis Timi (Ike VIII), the paramount ruler of the community in Apoi/Olodiama Rural Development Authority by ex-militants.

SaharaReporters learnt from community sources that the security situation in the community remained tense, as residents called on the state government to intervene and prevent further escalation.

One of the residents and top sources alleged that one Chief Joshua, coordinator of a private security service and ex-militant leader, was responsible for the purported, unlawful removal of Chief Timi, the Amananawei of Ikebiri Kingdom.

It was noted that community youths linked to the security service allegedly carried out the removal.

According to reports, the removal was allegedly supervised by Chief Joshua’s aide, Mr. Timi Igoli, in Ikebiri 1, on Saturday, July 26, in the presence of military and civil defence personnel attached to the security service in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

“Chief Joshua, a former running mate to ex-Governor Timipre Sylva in the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship poll, has been embroiled in a controversy as the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the security services,” a woman who pleaded for anonymity alleged.

Meanwhile, the paramount ruler of Ikebiri Kingdom, HRH Chief Ododo Francis Timi (Ike VIII), has raised concerns over the unconstitutional actions of some persons, Ephraim Fabofieghe, Baghebo Jacob, and one Taylor Omientimi also allegedly linked to the purported, unlawful announcement of his removal.

Chief Timi, a retired principal, maintained that the individuals who purportedly declared his seat vacant and installed a new leadership posed a potential security threat to law and order in the community, emphasising that their actions were illegal and unconstitutional.

He, therefore, called on the Bayelsa State government to quickly intervene to prevent further escalation of the brewing crisis in his kingdom.

The paramount ruler further urged members of the public, corporate organisations, and oil companies to disregard the unconstitutional declaration, saying that his purported unlawful removal contravened laws of the state and the Ikebiri Kingdom’s constitution.

He maintained that the individuals behind the dastardly act lacked the constitutional authority to convene a general meeting of Ikebiri Kingdom and that the processes outlined in Section 43 of the community’s constitution were not followed, rendering the declaration null and void.

According to credible community sources, a group of Ikebiri community members previously vandalised the palace of the Paramount Ruler in Ikebiri Community on March 3 and came again on March 7 to remove the royal stool of Chief Timi and took it to the graveside of Ike, founder of Ikebiri Kingdom, where it was left to rot away unchallenged till date.

Meanwhile, the office of the Deputy Governor governor has summoned both parties in the controversy with a view to resolving the matter.

All attempts to reach Chief Joshua for comments were unsuccessful, as his lines were unreachable as of the time of filing this report.