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The Bayelsa State government has been called upon to wade into the crisis rocking the Kou clan in Ekeremor Local Government Area, so as to avoid it snowballing into a serious conflict in the community.
In a petition to the governor, Ekemesowde Taroladei Peters, claimed that with the death of clan’s royal father, His Highness, Chief Francis Azuzu, the stool became vacant and the process of succession began.
The petition noted that at a meeting held on April 30, 2019 with government officials, the instruments used in the 1999 gazette to crown the late monarch was presented, but government officials averred that the document was written by the late monarch and the commissioner for Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Saviour Ibegu, and the special adviser to the governor on Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture, Chief Douye Naimgba, ordered for a new drafted constitution.
When all the aspirants were invited for screening on August 10, 2019, it was announced that the process to select a new king would be without any documents even though he lacks morality, educational qualification and financial probity or has criminal records.
“Your excellency, sir, the emergence of the Pere of Kou clan did not follow the provisions of section 4(a) of the Bayelsa State chieftaincy law. There was no election, clan instruments kept aside and it was not a unanimous decision by the king makers.”
He further said “a place without law invites anarchy and no rule of game is changed half way. If the old instrument that produced the first Pere of Kou is not in place, there is no council in place.”
He therefore called on the state government that the emergence of the Pere of Kou clan was unduly and wrongly done, and any attempt to coronate and give him a staff of office will bring break down of law and order.
Those in attendance were the prime minister, Chief W.O. Inaibo His Highness of Osumabio, secretary of council, chairman of council and Lawrence Orukemezougha who confirmed that there was an instrument used in 1999 gazette to crown the the late king, Chief Francis Azuzu.