By Abdulrahman Abdullahi, Yenagoa
National News — The Bayelsa State Government has resolved the protracted leadership dispute in Twon-Brass Kingdom, directing all parties involved to immediately withdraw pending court cases linked to the crisis.
The government also charged all recognized communities across the state to operate with functional constitutions that align with the provisions of the Bayelsa State Community Administration and Chieftaincy Law to promote effective grassroots governance and prevent future conflicts.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with leaders of the five communities that make up Twon-Brass Kingdom at Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe said the intervention was aimed at sustaining peace and stability in the kingdom and across the state.
Akpe disclosed that stakeholders reached a consensus on a temporary leadership arrangement pending the enthronement of a new Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass. Under the agreement, one of the five paramount rulers will serve as a coordinating Amadabo for a maximum period of one year.
According to him, the coordinating role does not confer superior authority but is intended solely to ensure continuity in the administration of the kingdom.
He announced the appointment of the paramount ruler of Cameron-Ama, Chief Beinmo Rufus-Spiff, as the Coordinating Amadabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom for the next one year, effective June 17, 2026.
“The five Amadabos have equal powers, but circumstances require a coordinating Amadabo to avoid a leadership vacuum. The coordinator remains first among equals and holds no exclusive powers,” Akpe stated.
He explained that if a new king is not enthroned before the expiration of the tenure, another coordinator would be elected one month before the end of the one-year term.
The deputy governor further revealed that all parties agreed to discontinue ongoing litigation over the leadership dispute and focus on reconciliation and unity.
As part of efforts to strengthen governance in the kingdom, Akpe announced the constitution of a five-member committee to draft a constitution for Twon-Brass Kingdom within eight weeks.
The committee, chaired by Chief Claudius Kune-Igoni of Kemmer-Ama, includes Chief Sisei Eke-Spiff Samuel (Ada-Ama), Chief James Sokari (Cameron-Ama), Chief Randy Sobogboma (Shidi-Ama), and Chief Bio Gbeghasa (Sambo-Ama).
He commended the stakeholders for their maturity and peaceful conduct throughout the mediation process and urged them to see themselves as members of one family working towards the development of Twon-Brass Kingdom.
Akpe also stressed the importance of written constitutions in community administration, noting that their absence often fuels leadership disputes and communal tensions.
He disclosed that the proposed Community Administration Bill currently before the Bayelsa State House of Assembly contains provisions mandating all government-recognized communities to adopt constitutions consistent with state chieftaincy laws.
“We have proposed in the Community Administration Bill that every community recognized by the state government must have a constitution. Such constitutions must be in line with the State Chieftaincy Law to ensure effective administration and minimize conflicts,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the paramount rulers of the five communities in Twon-Brass Kingdom, including Chief Ralph Sambo of Sambo-Ama, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff of Ada-Ama, Chief Beinmo Rufus-Spiff of Cameron-Ama, Chief Oton Efebo-Shidi of Shidi-Ama, and Chief Israel Sunny Goli of Kemmer-Ama.
The resolution is expected to bring an end to years of leadership disagreements in the coastal kingdom and strengthen peace-building efforts under the administration of Governor Douye Diri.
