Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Otakeme community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has elected a new paramount ruler, bringing an end to a 55-year interregnum that left the ancient community without a traditional leader. The community chose Mr. Gospel Obolo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renew Empire Nigeria, as its new monarch, marking the restoration of the royal stool after more than five decades without a substantive paramount ruler.
Otakeme, a neighbouring community to Otabagi—the host community of the historic Oloibiri oil wells where crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956—has long been a significant settlement in the Ogbia Kingdom. Despite producing notable professionals and accomplished sons and daughters across various fields, the community had remained without a traditional ruler for 55 years due to internal divisions and lingering conflicts.
Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with community stakeholders, the monarch-elect said his reign would be anchored on consultation, inclusiveness and unity, stressing that rebuilding the community would require the collective efforts of all indigenes. He expressed regret that despite their shared ancestry, the people of Otakeme had allowed internal disagreements to deprive them of a king for so long. “It is sad that our community, Otakeme, has been without a king for 55 years,” Obolo said. “Otakeme is supposed to be one of the communities in Ogbia that others should emulate in terms of communal living, but regrettably we have lost a lot due to disunity, which resulted in the absence of a paramount ruler for this long”.
The Obanena-Elect disclosed that he had commenced consultations with stakeholders and indigenes living in major cities across the country to foster reconciliation and mobilise support for the community's development. He said, “We have begun consultations with our people in the diaspora to solidify our unity and continue on the path of development. There is a lot to do for our people, and I want to assure every indigene that we will work together to develop Otakeme community”.
Addressing the long period without a king, Obolo attributed it to internal disagreements despite the people's shared ancestry, noting that Otakeme people are from “the same family, the same blood,” and expressed regret that such closeness had not translated to harmony. “It is painful that a community of that nature that came from the same womb will start hating themselves,” he lamented.
The monarch-elect appealed to community leaders, elders and stakeholders to consolidate on the prevailing peace and support efforts aimed at restoring harmony and accelerating development in the area. He also urged youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding, describing his emergence as the beginning of a new chapter for the community. According to him, the restoration of the traditional institution offers an opportunity for renewed unity, innovation and sustainable development in Otakeme after decades of leadership vacuum.
Obolo, who is a project director of an oil company and a former Vice President of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria, said his background in project management and sports administration had prepared him for leadership and conflict resolution. “I am not new to crisis because I am project director of an oil company,” he stated. “When you are in a federation like Kickboxing you rule the army, the Navy, the Airforce, the police and civilians, so you must balance the way you rule. I have up to a Brigadier General under Kickboxing Federation and I managed it well”.
On his strategy to bring aggrieved persons on board, Obolo said he has commenced a “unity tour” to reach Otakeme indigenes across the country, with planned visits to Lagos, Abuja and Yenagoa. He also cited the support of prominent indigenes, including the mother of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Not how do I feel but how will I work for a people who have stayed 55 years without an Obanena is a lot of work to do,” he said. “It’s not like a political appointment, it’s a service to your people. You have to think of how to carry everybody along—the old, the young, the needy and the rich. You need to balance everything, both those that are bereaved and those that are angry. It’s like a father that has so many children. It is not an easy work”.
The election of a new paramount ruler marks a significant milestone for Otakeme, which has been without a traditional leader since 1971. The community, located in the Ogbia Local Government Area, is one of the neighbouring communities to Otabagi, the host community of the historic Oloibiri oil wells where crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956. With the restoration of the traditional institution, residents and indigenes are hopeful that the new monarch will usher in an era of peace, unity and sustainable development for the ancient community.
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