Niger Delta
Bayelsa Paramount Ruler Hails New Atissa Monarch On Succession
Paramount ruler of Onopa Community in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, HRH Tamama Morris (Ogbo IX), has praised the newly coronated King of the Atissa Kingdom of the State, HRM King Victor Diemeze Awala (Ebeni-ebe VIII) on his successful ascension to the throne.
Onopa is one of the communities of the Atissa Kingdom, landlords of the Bayelsa State Government House.
The Tide gathered that the new Monarch was coronated and presented staff of office by the State Government on the 2nd of May, 2026 amidst celebrations.
The royal father, who described the monarch as an accomplished traditional ruler, business tycoon, and administrator, said with his indepth experience in the traditional affairs of the kingdom prior to his ascension to the throne, he believes he will discharge the onerous duties of his throne creditably with dignity and purpose.
He noted that King Awala was working closely with the late King of the Kingdom, HRM Godwin Gurosi Igodo, who past on in 2025, and therefore understood what it takes to be the number one royal father of the ancient kingdom, including peace building and disputes resolution, amongst others.
“The newly coronated Ebeni-Ebe, VIII, the monarch of our Kingdom, Atissa, HRM King Victor Diemeze Awala, has the requisite experience to lead the kingdom.
“Before he was made king, he has already been working closely with the late king of the Kingdom, HRM King Godwin Gurosi Igodo, who at a time due to his deteriorating health challenges had to direct him, Awala, to act on his behalf.
“Truth be told, within those acting period, King Awala did very well and achieved so much for the kingdom. He was always working in tandem with the traditions and customs of the kingdom, especially in peace building and development.
“I would describe King Awala as a round peg in a round hole. He’s the best man from the Atissa Kingdom to ascend the throne after the death of the former King, and I’ve no fears that he will do very well as king”, the Onopa royal father said.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa