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By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
The Agudama-Epie Community within the Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa, has elected a new paramount ruler after a keenly contested election for the exalted royal position.
The new Obenaken Agudama-Epie Community is High Royal Highness Titus Gospel Akputakpu.
Speaking to journalists after the election, the Electoral Committee chairman, Mr Oyambo Sambo, said 1,355 voters were registered and 39 votes were counted as invalid, while three candidates contested for the position.
Chief Dick Marcathy got 325 votes, Chief Makeni Josephus got 294 votes, while Chief Titus Gospel Akputakpu polled 697 votes, and was declared the winner having gotten the highest number of votes.
Sambo described the election as free and fair, adding that due to transparence, orderliness and peaceful conduct of the election, none of the candidates had any reason to raise an objection and accepted the result with good faith.
He further disclosed that HRH Titus Gospel Akputakpu succeeded the late paramount ruler, Wisdom Franklyn, who reigned for twenty-one years, adding that in Agudama-Epie the throne is non-hereditary and to qualify for kingship, the person must not be less than 55 years, must possess a befitting residence, be happily married and not be an ex-convict among others.
The new paramount ruler is a graduate of Agriculture from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. He was a principal for 13 years and retired as a director in the Bayelsa State Schools Board.
Our correspondent who visited his palace at Agudama-Epie reports that personalities from all works of life have thronged his home to congratulate and pay him solidarity visit.
Speaking to journalists, an elated monarch who exuded joy and happiness said he remained grateful for the overwhelming support he received right from when he indicated interest for the kingship, and assured the people and non-indigenes that he will be truthful, disciplined and have the fear of God in his dealings.
He also promised to promote unity and security, adding that accountability will be his watchword during his reign.
Agudama-Epie community, though yearning for government’s presence in terms infrastructures, road and pipe borne water, is currently host to the Nigerian Law School and headquarters of the Central Naval Command and boasts of a weekly market that attracts patronage from within the state and neighbouring states of the country.
