Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has given an assurance to the chiefs and people of Yenagoa Community in Atissa Kingdom of his administration’s commitment towards upgrading existing infrastructure in their domain.
Senator Diri, who spoke at a meeting with the Council of Chiefs and other stakeholders of the community in Government House, also promised to provide new facilities to enhance their status as one of the communities hosting the state capital.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Governor commended the Yenagoa aborigines for their peaceful disposition, understanding and cooperation with government in building the state capital.
He explained that the meeting was convened to inform them of government’s readiness to fully participate in the burial activities of their departed Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness, Chief Clarkson Kikile, the Obeniken of Yenagoa.
The Governor, who commiserated with the community over the passing of their revered monarch, described Chief Kikile as a man of high moral rectitude, who never placed value on material possessions.
He said apart from being a second class traditional ruler, the departed Obeniken distinguished himself in several respects, including promoting peace and the betterment of his people and humanity in general.
Consequently, the Governor said government would play a significant role in the burial of the foremost Yenagoa traditional ruler as a mark of honour and appreciation of his good deeds.
“For me, it is not how long a person lives that is important. But how much value the person adds to life. That is what makes your name to remain in the hearts of men and not necessarily the wealth you have acquired.
“His Royal Highness, Chief Clarkson Kikile, was somebody who placed value on how society can be better. He did not place value on cars, houses or property.
“He was a man of integrity, peace and high moral rectitude that can be rarely seen. But like what Shakespeare said, he had acted his part and left the world.
“He was a second class traditional ruler and we are aware that you want to start the process of his burial. So, we really want to come to support the process because he deserves it”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Couple Anyamalem, described the reign of the late Obeniken as peaceful and successful, noting that Chief Kikile ruled Yenagoa Community unblemished for 41 years.
Chief Anyamalem, who is the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri and his Deputy for identifying with the community over the passing of their paramount ruler.
He informed that the four days preliminary burial rites will commence this week in line with the customs and traditions of the Atissa Kingdom and invited the Governor to attend.
The leadership of the Yenagoa Community at the meeting were the Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Chief Teddy Anyamalem; former Commissioner for Education, Dr Markson Fefegha; Women Leader, Chief Dr Rejoice Obele; Chief Diekivie Obhuo, among others.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa