The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has commended the chiefs, elders, women and youths of Yenezue-Gene community in Yenagoa Local Government Area for the peaceful election of a new paramount ruler.
Dr. Akpe gave the commendation on Thursday in Yenagoa while receiving the report of the election from the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Malla Sasime, at the Government House.
He expressed appreciation to the Obenibe and other critical stakeholders of Epie Kingdom for their various roles which culminated in the peaceful conduct of the election.
The deputy governor commended King Sasime for his unwavering commitment to peace and development in his domain, stressing that his role in the Yenezue-Gene election was a further testimony of his capacity to deliver on assignments entrusted to him.
He assured the monarch that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs would be directed to expedite action on the processing of the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office for the paramount ruler-elect preparatory to his official coronation.
According to him, “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.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, King Malla Sasime, said the Yenezue-Gene chieftaincy election was conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, under a peaceful atmosphere in line with the directive of the state government.
Sasime described the election as credible, transparent and hitch-free, adding that Chief Fortune Magnus emerged as paramount ruler-elect, while Chief Nothing-Bad Dagana emerged as deputy paramount ruler.
He commended the show of sportsmanship by other contestants, including Chief Fabiri Manager, Chief Ozekieh Oyaba and Chief Egba James, and urged them and other stakeholders to work cooperatively with the new leadership for the progress of the community.
The royal father also thanked the state government for providing the enabling environment and support for the successful conduct of the election, expressing optimism that enduring peace and good governance would be restored in Yenezue-Gene, which had been without a paramount ruler for some years.
