Former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, Tarinyo Akono, has condemned the suspension of the Okpoama Kingdom Council of Chiefs, led by High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha.
The suspension followed a controversial meeting held on July 26, 2025, at Okpo Square, which Akono described as a “kangaroo” gathering.
Akono voiced his disapproval during a chat with journalists in Yenagoa, in response to a statement issued by Bebara Egein, on the meeting’s outcome.
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He dismissed allegations that Chief Egba-Dienegha was attempting to usurp the powers of the regent, labeling the claims as baseless, spurious, and unfounded.
Akono described the suspension as part of a calculated plot to destabilize the community for selfish interest, saying that the purported suspension cannot stand since there is a subsisting matter in court.
The Ex-NUJ chairman accused Chief Paul Briggs-Suobagha and his allies of being desperate to seize control of the Okpoama Kingdom, alleging that they are using misguided youths to intimidate perceived enemies.
Addressing the recent suspension of elders and chiefs from the Ayah Chieftaincy House, following their protest letter concerning the appointment of Tubonimiworio Opuene as the Okpoama-Ewoama king without due consultation, Akono insisted that the protest was a constitutional right of the people.
He described their suspension as evidence of high-handedness and authoritarian behaviour.
Akono, who hails from Okpoama, further asserted that the actions taken under the guise of the Ibekobiriya were aimed at sidelining the Ayah Chieftaincy House from playing its rightful role in the affairs of the kingdom.
“Mark my words, a time will come when these desperate individuals will turn against each other and eventually, against those who are sponsoring them.
“Sadly, some of them don’t even realize they’re being used and will be discarded in the end,” Akono stated.
He alleged that their tactics are to incite, intimidate, and oppress, and called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used by people who don’t mean well for them.
