John Odhe, YENAGOA
The chiefs, elders, women, and youths of Yenezue-Gene community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been commended for conducting a peaceful election of a new paramount ruler for their community.
Akpe, gave the commendation while receiving a report on the election from the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Malla Sasime, at his office in government house, Yenagoa, on Thursday.
Akpe, expressed appreciation to the Obenibe and other stakeholders of Epie Kingdom for the various roles they played culminating in the peaceful conduct of the election.
The deputy governor particularly commended Sasime for his commitment to peace and development in his domain, stressing that the role he played in the Yenezue-Gene election was another eloquent testimony of the Obenibe’s capability to deliver on any assignments entrusted to him.
He assured the Epie monarch that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs would be directed in no distant time to process the certificate of recognition and staff of office for the paramount ruler-elect of Yenezue-Gene preparatory to his official coronation.
His words: “I want to sincerely appreciate His Majesty as always, and the committee for doing a good job. This is another testimony of your capability to deliver on assignments. We appreciate you for what you are doing for your kingdom and the state.
“Having resolved the issue peacefully with normalcy returned to the community, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will swing into action and quickly process both the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office for presentation.”
Speaking earlier, the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, Sasime, informed that the Yenezue-Gene chieftaincy election was conducted on Saturday the 22nd of August, 2026, under a peaceful atmosphere in line with the directive of the state government.
The King described the election as credible, transparent and hitch-free with Chief Fortune Magnus emerging as the paramount ruler-elect and Chief Nothing-Bad Dagana as deputy paramount ruler of Yenezue-Gene.
The Epie Monarch commended the show of sportsmanship by other contestants, including Chief Fabiri Manager, Chief Ozekieh Oyaba and Chief Egba James.
He urged them and other stakeholders to work cooperatively with the new leadership for the progress of their community.
According to a statement by the spokesman of the deputy governor, Mr. Doubara Atasin, the also thanked the state government for providing the enabling environment and support for the successful conduct of the election.
He expressed hope that enduring communal peace and good governance would be restored and maintained in Yenezue-gene, which had been without a paramount ruler for some years.
Sasime said: “His Excellency, the Deputy Governor asked me and my people to go and conduct the election of the paramount ruler of Yenezue-Gene Community.
“The stool has been vacant for some years. So, the election was conducted on the 22nd of August, 2026.
“It was very peaceful, credible and transparent. So, a new paramount ruler has been elected. His name is Fortune Magnus. And fortunately, all the contestants were very happy; no challenges, no confusion.
“And so, we are very grateful to His Excellency for having constituted and assisted the entire process. We are happy that the problem of Yenezue-Gene is now over, and that good governance will return to that community.”
