Bayelsa government nullifies suspension of southern Ijaw monarch

The Bayelsa State Government has nullified the suspension of His Royal Highness Francis Timi Odudu, the paramount ruler of Ikebiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo declared the suspension "illegal, null, and void" during a meeting with stakeholders and feuding parties in Government House, Yenagoa ¹.

*Key Points:*

- *Nullification of Suspension*: The Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law doesn't empower individuals or groups to suspend or dethrone recognized traditional rulers. Only the governor has the authority to remove a traditional ruler after fulfilling the requirements outlined in the state Chieftaincy Law.
- *Panel of Inquiry*: A 12-member panel has been set up to investigate allegations against the monarch, with the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, as chairman. The panel's mandate includes ¹ ²:
- *Investigating Allegations*: Probe allegations leveled against the monarch
- *Constitution Review*: Ascertain why the Ikebiri Community constitution hasn't been amended
- *Royalty Sharing*: Investigate how the 30% royalty is being shared
- *Resolving Conflicts*: Address issues causing frequent clashes in the community
- *Panel Members*: The panel consists of government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders, including the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
- *Tension in the Community*: The purported removal of the monarch was allegedly carried out by youths linked to Tantita Security Services, with a highly placed official implicated. The development heightened tension in the community, prompting the deputy governor to summon the feuding parties ³ ⁴.

The panel has one month to complete its assignment and submit its findings to the government. Both parties have been urged to sink their differences in the collective interest of the community.