AGAIN, GOV DIRI TASKS TRADITIONAL RULERS TO MAINTAIN PEACE, SECURITY AT KING AWALA'S CORONATION . (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE

 Again, Gov Diri Tasks Traditional Rulers To Maintain Peace, Security At King Awala's Coronation 

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has again urged traditional rulers to remain focused on the maintenance of peace, security and stability in their various domains as part of their contribution towards the development of the state.

Governor Diri made the call at the weekend during the coronation ceremony ofHis Royal Majesty King Victor Awala, Ebeni-Ibe the Eighth (VIII) of Atissa Kingdom in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, at the Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Yenagoa, the state capital.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa Chief Executive acknowledged the critical role traditional rulers play in society as the custodians of culture and tradition, stressing that his administration will continue to hold them in high esteem.

Expressing gratitude to the Chiefs and people of Epie-Atissa for their peaceful disposition, Governor Diri, noted that his administration could not have recorded its impressive achievements without their support, especially in the maintenance of peace and security in the state capital.

The Governor, who congratulated King Awala on his emergence and successful coronation as a first class traditional ruler, urged him to work hard to justify the love and confidence reposed in him by his people.

While appreciating the Chiefs and people of Atissa Kingdom for recognizing the primacy of the Almighty God in the affairs of men by inviting a renowned clergyman, Bishop David Oyedepo, to crown their monarch, he called on them to sustain their love and support for the new Ebeni-Ibe at all times for continued unity, peace and development of the Kingdom.

His words: "First, we want to appreciate the people of Atissa Kingdom for the support they have been rendering to the state over the years. The peace we are enjoying in the state capital is as a result of the understanding, cooperation and peaceful disposition of the Epie-Atissa people.

"And on today's event, I have seen the involvement of all Atissa sons and daughters, which shows oneness and unity that has culminated to the success of this coronation. We are appreciating you because there is no unity or peace without a price.

"For us as a government, we advocate for the recognition of our traditional institutions because without them most of our traditions and culture, including our language will go into extinction."

In his goodwill message, former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, also acknowledged the rich cultural heritage and commitment of the Atissa people towards unity and progress, which stand them out as a source of pride not only to Bayelsa State but the entire Niger Delta region.

Dr Jonathan, who was represented by Chief Tobias James, described King Awala's emergence as a testament to the confidence his native Atissa people have in his leadership qualities, and implored him to lead the Kingdom with wisdom, humility and a sense of purpose.

He said, "As you assume this sacred responsibility, I am confident that your reign will promote peace, strengthen unity and contribute to the continued development and well-being of the Atissa Kingdom."

In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo and the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Steve Azaiki, highlighted the contributions of past Ebeni-Ibes, ranging from King Zue of the eighteenth century to King Awala's immediate predecessor, Late King Godwin Igodo.

King Dakolo, who is also the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, expressed willingness to work closely with King Awala and commended the people of Atissa Kingdom for organizing a hitch-free succession process for their new monarch.

In his remarks, the Eighth Ebeni-Ibe of Atissa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Victor Demezie Awala, appreciated the Almighty God, Governor Douye Diri, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Members of the National and State Assemblies, the Atissa and Epies Councils of Chiefs and everyone who contributed to the success of the coronation ceremony.

Highpoints of the coronation was the presentation of the staff of office by  Governor Diri represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, as well as the crowning of the Ebeni-Ibe by the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, who was equally represented by Senior Pastor Folorunso Yinka.

Dignitaries who attended the well attended event were, the Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr Godknows Bolade Igali, the Member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Oforji Oboku, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Abraham Ngobere, represented by the Majority Leader, Dr Monday Bolo-Bubou and wife of former President, Barrister Ayima Goodluck Jonathan.

Others included the Member representing Yenagoa Constituency One at the state House of Assembly, Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, members of the state executive council, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, the Obeni-Ibe of Epie Kingdom, King Malla Sasime, Architect and Mrs Harcourt Adukeh, King and Queen Amalate Johnny Turner, Chief Reuben Okoya and the Wife of a departed Ebeni-Ibe, Queen Beatrice Frederick Agama.

Signed:

Doubara Atasi 

Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor 

Bayelsa State

Saturday 2nd May, 2026