CHIEF WANEMI DISOWNS OKORDIA TRADITIONAL RULERS’ STATEMENT, DEMANDS WITHDRAWAL OF PUBLICATION

Chief Benjamin Wanemi has distanced himself from the October 20, 2026, publication by the Okordia Paramount Rulers Forum, alleging that his name was included among the signatories without his knowledge or authorisation.

The publication raised concerns over what the forum described as an alleged attempt by the Bayelsa State Government to impose traditional rulers on communities in Okordia Kingdom, warning that the development could trigger tension, violence and destruction of property.

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, Chief Wanemi denied participating in any meeting that led to the publication, insisting that he neither signed the statement nor authorised anyone to issue it in his name.

He said, “My name was included among those who signed the statement without my knowledge or authorisation. I was not part of any meeting that led to the publication, and I did not sign the statement issued to the media.”

Chief Wanemi said he had also consulted the interim leadership of Kalaba community, led by Mr Nwalia Lincoln, the Community Development Committee (CDC) chairman, and the women leader, who have been managing the community’s affairs since the state government suspended its traditional leadership and ordered a fresh election.

According to him, the interim leadership confirmed that its members neither attended any meeting leading to the publication nor authorised the release of a statement in the name of Kalaba community.

Chief Wanemi reaffirmed his commitment to the decision reached following a meeting with the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, on July 16, 2026 that ordered a fresh chieftaincy election.

He added that he remained willing to comply with the government’s directive rather than take any action that could undermine the process.

“I am a law-abiding citizen, and I will not go against the government’s decision. I am patiently waiting for the government to announce a date for the fresh election,” he said.

Chief Wanemi further stressed that he had not acted as the paramount ruler of Kalaba community since the government ordered a fresh election, insisting that the interim leadership arrangement should be allowed to continue pending the conduct of the poll.

He called on the chiefs behind the October 20 publication to withdraw the statement and stop associating his name with positions or decisions he said he neither endorsed nor authorised.

“I am not aware of any information concerning the publication by the Okordia traditional rulers. Those responsible should withdraw it and stop dragging my name into issues I know nothing about,” he said.

Chief Wanemi warned that issuing a statement in someone’s name without their knowledge or authorisation raised concerns about impersonation, urging all parties to exercise caution and respect the law.