The people of Tombia Community in the Ekpetiama Kingdom, located in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have been directed to strictly adhere to their community’s constitution in the forthcoming election of a substantive paramount ruler (Amananaowei).
This directive was issued by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during a broad stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the deputy governor called on all factions in the community to put aside their differences for the sake of peace, stability, and progress.
Ewhrudjakpo stressed the importance of respecting the rotational arrangement for electing the Amananaowei, as stipulated in the existing constitution of the community.
He emphasized that no constitutional amendments, including the removal of the rotational clause, should be made during the current election process.
According to him, any amendment to the constitution must wait until a new paramount ruler is elected and inaugurated, as only a sitting Amananaowei holds the authority to endorse such changes.
“Let it be clear that the Tombia constitution cannot be amended in the absence of a sitting paramount ruler.
“The rotational clause must be upheld for the upcoming election. Any revisions to the constitution can only be considered after the election and installation of the new Amananaowei.”
He further appealed to community members to embrace dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, warning against actions driven by personal gain rather than genuine community service.
“There is no conflict that dialogue cannot resolve. Peace is a critical ingredient for development. I urge all stakeholders to set aside grievances in honour of the late Amananaowei, who led Tombia in peace for many years.”
The deputy governor also decried the increasing trend of traditional leadership positions being pursued for material benefits, rather than for selfless service to the community.
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Several community stakeholders, including Mr. Ebikobowei Igbori, Mr. Victor Akoko, Chief Godday Otobotekere, and Elder Israel Igbori, also spoke at the meeting and appealed for government intervention to ensure a smooth and constitutionally guided election.
The meeting was attended by key state officials, including the Member representing Yenagoa Constituency Two in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Waikumo Amakoromo; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei; Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Bekes Sese, among others.
