The Ogboloma Community Chieftaincy Election Committee has officially declared Chief Akeri Reginald Okoro as the newly elected Paramount Ruler of Ogboloma Town in the Gbarain Kingdom of the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
In a keenly contested election, Chief Akeri secured 730 votes, outpacing his closest contender, Dede Vincent Wozi, former Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, who garnered 539 votes.
Other contenders included Chief Ayebapreye Mathias Kpun with 157 votes, Chief Indutimi Samuel Opurubelebo, immediate past Chairman of the caretaker committee, with 116 votes, and Chief Samuel Tugwell Kpun, a retired Navy Commander, who received 98 votes.
In the same electoral process, Mr Oweifa Saviour emerged as the Community Secretary, polling 861 votes to defeat Mr. Timothy Suomein, who received 704 votes.
Several positions were also filled unopposed, including: Chief Imotongha Jonathan as Deputy Paramount Ruler, Timothy Pre-ebi Fred as Assistant Secretary, Tonpregha Woyengikuro-Treasurer and Leisanduagha Woyengiemi as Financial Secretary.
The committee, in a statement by Mr Zamabo Wozi on behalf of the electoral umpire, commended the peaceful conduct of the election and the role played by various stakeholders.
The committee extended its gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for ensuring peace and security throughout the electioneering period.
Special appreciation was also extended to Mr. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, Executive Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Hon. Waikumo Amakoromo, Member Representing Gbarain and Ekpetiama Constituency Two and Deputy Minority Leader, Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
They also commended King Gabriel Funpere Akah, and the entire Gbarain Chiefs Council, Chief John Timi David, Chairman of the Ogboloma Community Chiefs Caretaker Committee, and its members, as well as various security and paramilitary formations, and the entire Ogboloma community for their exemplary conduct during the transition process.
The election marks the beginning of a new era in Ogboloma, with community members hopeful that the new leadership will bring development, unity, and progress in line with the town’s constitution.
