Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the newly installed monarch of Atissa Kingdom, King Diemeze Victor Awala, assuring the kingdom of his administration’s commitment to bringing more development to Yenagoa, the state capital.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
King Awala was installed on May 2, 2026, as the 8th Ebeni-Ibe of Atissa Kingdom, one of the foremost traditional stools in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Speaking during the visit to the monarch’s palace in Obogoro, Governor Diri said he came to identify with the king and celebrate his ascension to the throne.
The governor described the monarch as a longtime friend and expressed confidence in his ability to provide purposeful leadership for the Atissa people.
Diri also commended the king and the people of Atissa Kingdom for maintaining peace and order during the period following the demise and burial of the late monarch, noting that their conduct aligned with his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, harmony, and coexistence across the state.
Responding to requests for additional developmental projects, the governor urged the kingdom to formally document its needs and assured that government would address them within the limits of available resources.
“I am particularly happy because I have known you over the years. I remember when you left me to join the party we all belong to now. Political parties are vehicles for development, and we should never allow politics to make us enemies.
“Your kingdom is a crucial part of Yenagoa, and you are also hosting the Government House. Indeed, you are our landlords.
“I commend you for the peaceful coronation and the orderly manner in which the kingdom conducted itself during the death and burial rites of the late monarch. That is what our government stands for—peace and harmony.
“This visit is to thank God and celebrate with you on your coronation. Knowing you, I am confident that you understand the responsibilities of the throne and are already doing well.
“This kingdom is one we hold in very high esteem, and we believe you will continue to work with government for the peace, stability, and development of Bayelsa State.”
Addressing concerns over the suspension of work on the Obogoro land reclamation and erosion control project, Governor Diri explained that the project required additional technical studies to ensure its long-term success.
According to him, inadequate preliminary assessments had affected the project, but government had since undertaken the necessary studies, which are nearing completion.
He assured the people that work would resume once the review process is concluded.
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Atissa Kingdom, King Awala, expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s recognition and support for the kingdom.
The monarch thanked the governor for the assistance provided during the burial ceremonies of the late king and appealed for further support towards the completion of the royal palace project as well as the construction of roads in Famgbe, Yenaka, and Bebelebiri communities.
King Awala pledged the kingdom’s continued cooperation with the state government in advancing peace, unity, and development across Bayelsa.
Dignitaries who accompanied the governor on the visit included the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; member representing Yenagoa Constituency I in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba; members representing Sagbama Constituencies II and III, Bernard Kenebai and Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown; APC Bayelsa West Senatorial candidate, Chief Fidelis Agbiki; Bayelsa State PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Agwana; members of the State Executive Council; and other government officials.
Kindly share
