Bayelsa settles Twon-Brass leadership dispute and orders all court cases withdrawn.

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has resolved the long‑standing leadership dispute in Twon‑Brass Kingdom after intervening and securing an agreement from all parties to withdraw the court cases related to the crisis.

The government also directed all state‑recognised communities to adopt constitutions that comply with the Bayelsa State Community Administration and Chieftaincy Law, aiming to strengthen grassroots leadership and reduce communal conflicts.

Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe disclosed the developments during a meeting with the leaders of the five communities in Twon‑Brass Kingdom and senior government officials in Yenagoa.

He urged residents to support the government’s efforts to maintain peace and stability across the state.

Akpe explained that although the five paramount rulers in the kingdom hold equal authority, one will serve as a coordinating leader for a maximum of one year to prevent a leadership vacuum.

The arrangement will remain in place until a new Amanyanabo of Twon‑Brass Kingdom is enthroned.

The deputy governor announced Chief Beinmo Rufus‑Spiff as the Coordinating Amadabo for a one‑year tenure effective 17 June 2026.

He also unveiled a five‑member constitution‑drafting committee, with one representative from each community, chaired by Chief Claudius Kune‑Igoni of Kemmer‑Ama.

“On the issue of leadership, the five Amadabos have equal powers, but at particular times like the situation the kingdom is facing now, there is a need for a coordinating Amadabo,” Akpe said.

“That coordination does not confer exclusive powers on the coordinator. He is simply a coordinator among equals for a maximum tenure of one year as agreed. If a king is not enthroned by the end of the tenure, another coordinator will be elected one month before the expiration of the current term.”

He added that the Coordinating Amadabo would oversee the affairs of the kingdom, including financial matters, and provide monthly reports to the other Amadabos.

Akpe further stated that all pending court cases arising from the leadership dispute would be withdrawn as part of the peace agreement.

The constitution‑drafting committee, given eight weeks to complete its task, consists of Chief Sisei Eke‑Spiff Samuel (Ada‑Ama), Chief James Sokari (Cameron‑Ama), Chief Randy Sobogboma (Shidi‑Ama), Chief Bio Gbeghasa (Sambo‑Ama) and a representative from Kemmer‑Ama.

The deputy governor praised the parties for their maturity and peaceful disposition during the reconciliation process and urged them to continue working together for the development of the kingdom.

He also stressed the importance of functional community constitutions, noting that they would enhance administration and reduce recurring leadership disputes.

According to him, the absence of written constitutions in many communities often creates room for disagreements that can escalate into communal crises.

Akpe disclosed that the proposed Community Administration Bill currently before the Bayelsa State House of Assembly requires all government‑recognised communities to adopt constitutions consistent with the state’s chieftaincy laws.

“We have proposed in the Community Administration Bill before the House of Assembly that every community recognised by the state government must have a constitution,” he said.

“Everything contained in a community’s constitution must be in line with the State Chieftaincy Law. This will help us administer our communities more effectively.”

Among those who presented at the meeting were the paramount rulers of Sambo‑Ama, Chief Ralph Sambo; Ada‑Ama, Chief Serena Dokubo‑Spiff; Cameron‑Ama, Chief Beinmo Rufus‑Spiff; Shidi‑Ama, Chief Oton Efebo‑Shidi; and Kemmer‑Ama, Chief Israel Sunny Goli.

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