The Bayelsa State Government has constituted a seven-member fact-finding committee to investigate the causes of the ongoing leadership crisis in Anibeze community, located in Sagbama Local Government Area.
The committee is tasked with examining both the immediate and underlying issues fueling the tussle over the community’s paramount ruler position.
It is also expected to make recommendations on the way forward, particularly as it relates to the provisions of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law regarding the eligibility and recognition of traditional rulers.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during a meeting with key stakeholders from the Anibeze community and relevant government officials.
The meeting, held at Government House, Yenagoa, was attended by the member representing Sagbama Constituency III in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, among others.
Outlining the committee’s terms of reference, Ewhrudjakpo directed members to “investigate the emergence of the two individuals currently laying claim to the position of paramount ruler of Anibeze.
“Determine which of the contenders, if any, meets the legal criteria set by the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law.
“Confirm from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs whether either of the contenders has received official recognition and, if so, explain the basis and process for such recognition.”
Further, he mandated the committee to work with the Anibeze community to initiate the process of conducting fresh elections for the positions of Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman and Youth President.
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The deputy governor emphasised that the CDC chairmanship should follow the customary zoning arrangement, ensuring that the position is allocated to the appropriate quarter of the community.
Ewhrudjakpo also instructed the committee to verify whether the Anibeze community has a functional constitution. If not, he said, steps should be taken to begin drafting a new constitution to guide the community’s governance.
He directed the committee to submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor declared the recent removal of the current CDC Chairman, Mr. Akeni Anthony, and the Youth President, Mr. David Ufuana, as illegal. He affirmed that both officials must serve out their current terms before any new elections are conducted.
He further cautioned community members against taking the law into their hands or engaging in acts of ostracism, stressing that no individual or group has the constitutional right to exclude others from communal life. Such actions, he warned, are not only unlawful but also counterproductive to peace and development.
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties (Bayelsa West), Mr. Michael Magbisa, with Mrs. Mercy Alafuro, Head of Exco in the Deputy Governor’s Office, serving as Secretary.
Other members include the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Perekeme Bertola, Chairman, Rural Development Authority, Toru-Abubou, Mr. Tarikebi Egbide, Councillor representing Ward 13, Sagbama LGA, and Mr. Tari Afenfia.
Other members are the Governor’s Special Representative for Sagbama, Mr. Tamunobere Oguoh, and Technical Adviser to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr. Vote Salem.
The Bayelsa State Government reiterated its commitment to upholding peace, justice, and the rule of law in all communities across the state.
