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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Culture & Society

Bayelsa resolves Twon-Brass Kingdom leadership tussle

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The Bayelsa State Government has resolved a leadership dispute in the Twon-Brass Kingdom.
  • The government brokered an agreement for feuding parties to withdraw court cases and established a temporary leadership structure.
  • Chief Beinmo Rufus-Spiff was appointed Coordinating Amadabo for one year, and a committee will draft a constitution for the kingdom.

The Bayelsa State Government has successfully mediated an end to a long-standing leadership conflict within the Twon-Brass Kingdom. Governor Duoye Diri's administration intervened, leading to an agreement where feuding parties will withdraw all pending court cases. This resolution aims to restore stability and ensure effective grassroots leadership.

On the issue of leadership, the five Amadabos have equal powers, but at particular times, such as the situation the kingdom is in now, there will be a need for a coordinating Amadabo.

โ€” Dr Peter AkpeThe Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State explaining the temporary leadership arrangement.

As part of the agreement, the government directed all recognized communities to manage their affairs according to constitutions aligned with the state's Community Administration and Chieftaincy Law. At a meeting in Yenagoa, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe outlined the key resolutions. He emphasized that while the five paramount rulers hold equal powers, one will serve as a coordinator for a maximum of one year to prevent a leadership vacuum until a new Amanyanabo is enthroned.

That coordination does not give the coordinator any exclusive powers. You are just a coordinator among equals for a maximum tenure of one year, as agreed.

โ€” Dr Peter AkpeThe Deputy Governor clarifying the limited authority of the coordinating Amadabo.

Chief Beinmo Rufus-Spiff has been appointed as the Coordinating Amadabo, effective June 17, 2026, for a one-year term. Additionally, a five-member committee, with one nominee from each of the five communities, has been formed to draft a constitution for the kingdom. Chief Claudius Kune-Igoni will chair this committee, which has eight weeks to complete its task. The Deputy Governor commended the parties for their mature deliberations and urged them to work collaboratively for the kingdom's progress.

We also agreed that the Amadabo of Cameron-Ama should start the coordinating process beginning from today (June 17, 2026). He will be in the saddle coordinating the affairs of the kingdom on all issues, including f

โ€” Dr Peter AkpeThe Deputy Governor announcing the commencement of the coordination and the appointed individual.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.