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 the community.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Peter 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 in Epie Kingdom for the various roles they played, culminating in the peaceful conduct of the election.
The deputy governor particularly commended King 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 to the Obenibe’s capability to deliver on any assignment entrusted to him.
He assured the Epie monarch that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs would be directed to process, in no distant time, the certificate of recognition and staff of office for the paramount ruler-elect of Yenezue-Gene, preparatory to his official coronation.
He said, “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, His Majesty King Malla Sasime, said the Yenezue-Gene Chieftaincy Election was conducted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in a peaceful atmosphere and in line with the directive of the state government.
King Sasime 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 the deputy paramount ruler of Yenezue-Gene.
The Epie monarch, who commended the sportsmanship displayed by other contestants, including Chief Fabiri Manager, Chief Ozekieh Oyaba and Chief Egba James, urged them and other stakeholders to work cooperatively with the new leadership for the progress of the community.
He also thanked the state government for providing the enabling environment and support for the successful conduct of the election, expressing 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.”