The Bayelsa State Government has successfully resolved the lingering leadership crisis that has affected the Twon-Brass Kingdom for years, bringing an end to a dispute that had created divisions among communities and threatened peace in the coastal area of the state.
The breakthrough followed a high-level intervention by the state government, culminating in an agreement among all parties involved to immediately withdraw pending court cases related to the leadership tussle and embrace dialogue as a means of sustaining harmony within the kingdom.
The development was announced on Thursday by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a meeting held at the Government House in Yenagoa. The meeting brought together the leadership of the five communities that make up the Twon-Brass Kingdom, alongside senior government officials and key stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Akpe expressed satisfaction with the willingness of the feuding parties to set aside their differences and work together in the interest of peace, unity and development. He noted that the state government had remained committed to ensuring stability across all communities and traditional institutions in Bayelsa, stressing that peaceful coexistence was essential for meaningful progress.
According to him, the decision by the parties to discontinue all legal actions connected to the dispute marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to promote reconciliation and strengthen grassroots governance. He commended community leaders for embracing peace and urged them to continue supporting initiatives aimed at fostering unity among their people.
The deputy governor emphasized that Governor Douye Diri’s administration places a high premium on peace and community development, adding that conflicts within communities often slow down development projects and discourage investment opportunities.
He explained that the government would continue to engage traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders to ensure that disputes are resolved amicably before they escalate into prolonged crises capable of destabilizing communities.
Beyond the resolution of the Twon-Brass leadership dispute, Akpe used the occasion to direct all government-recognised communities across the state to administer their affairs in accordance with constitutions that align with the provisions of the Bayelsa State Community Administration and Chieftaincy Law.
He stated that adherence to the legal framework guiding community administration would enhance accountability, transparency and effective leadership at the grassroots level. According to him, clearly defined constitutional structures would help reduce conflicts arising from succession issues, leadership disagreements and administrative disputes.
The deputy governor stressed that communities must ensure their constitutions are regularly reviewed and harmonised with existing laws to avoid ambiguities that could create unnecessary tensions among residents. He further urged community leaders to place the collective interest of their people above personal ambitions, noting that leadership should be seen as a responsibility to serve rather than an avenue for rivalry and division.
Akpe also called on residents of Twon-Brass Kingdom and other communities in Bayelsa to complement government efforts in sustaining the prevailing peace across the state. He noted that peace remains one of the most valuable assets for any society seeking development and prosperity. He observed that Bayelsa has continued to enjoy relative peace in recent years due to the cooperation between government, traditional institutions, security agencies and community stakeholders.
Maintaining this stability, he said, requires continuous dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to established laws. Leaders of the affected communities reportedly welcomed the government’s intervention and pledged their commitment to the resolutions reached at the meeting.
They expressed optimism that the agreement would usher in a new era of cooperation, reconciliation and development within the kingdom.
Stakeholders at the meeting noted that the prolonged leadership dispute had strained relationships among some members of the communities, making the government’s mediation efforts timely and necessary.
They expressed hope that the withdrawal of court cases would create room for constructive engagement and lasting peace. The resolution of the Twon-Brass Kingdom leadership crisis is being viewed as a major achievement for the Bayelsa State Government’s peace-building agenda.
Observers believe that the settlement will strengthen community relations, promote stability and create a conducive environment for socio-economic development in the kingdom and the state at large.
With the parties now committed to dialogue and cooperation, attention is expected to shift toward community development, improved governance and the pursuit of projects that will benefit residents of the Twon-Brass Kingdom.
The government’s directive on constitutional compliance is also expected to serve as a guide for other communities across Bayelsa, helping to establish clearer administrative structures and prevent similar disputes in the future.
As Bayelsa continues to prioritize peace and grassroots development, the successful resolution of the Twon-Brass leadership tussle stands as a testament to the power of dialogue, mediation and collective commitment to unity.
