JUST-IN: Bayelsa Traditional ruler Suspended

His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State has approved the immediate suspension of His Royal Majesty, King Boutua Collins Aranka, Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the State.

Report reaching TrackNews says the suspension was due to a reported case of falsehood and a misrepresentation of the Chieftaincy laws of the State.

Recall that HRM King Boutua Collins Aranka, said first class rulers are paid twenty eight thousand naira monthly by the State Government, which the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule has described as falsehood and malicious.

A Seven-Man Committee has been constituted by the Prosperity Government to investigate the allegations brought against him, with the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government Administration and Community Development, Chief Thompson Amule, as Chairman.

The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, his counterpart of Information and Orientation, Hon. Ayibaina Crowther Duba, and the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in the State, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo are to serve as members.

Other members include, One first class traditional ruler from each of the three senatorial districts of the State, to be nominated by the Chairman of the traditional rulers’ council.

The Committee has been given a two week ultimatum within which to conclude its assignment and present it’s report to government.

His Royal Majesty, King Boutua Aranka has been directed forthwith to refrain from carrying out any duty as the Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan or as a traditional ruler, within the period, pending the outcome of the committee’s assignment and subsequent lifting of the suspension order by the government.

Government also advised that traditional rulers should desist from giving news that are not true as it may lead to public disorder in their domain.