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High Chief Gbenekama Warns Against False Claims on Ikantu, Denounce Threats from Itsekiri Elements
By Divine Perezide – IduwiniVoice
High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the Fiyewei (spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, has responded to alleged threats made by some Itsekiri individuals against the people of Ikantu, following the latter’s public reaffirmation of their Ijaw heritage.
In a video statement shared by the Gbaramatu Kingdom media team, High Chief Gbenekama strongly condemned what he described as unfounded claims by the Itsekiris over ownership of the Ikantu community. He asserted that Ikantu was historically founded by ijaw ancestors.
According to him, “I am the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, by the grace of God a kingdom that is blessed with a traditional ruler who understands the people. First and foremost, I want to thank God for the life of our people, the Ikantu people, who have come out boldly to dispel all doubts about their ancestry and where they belong to.
“We thank God for their life, and they will continue to be protected. However, information trickling into the media space suggests that there are threats to the lives of the Ikantu people for saying the truth. ”
Gbenekama emphasized that regardless of whether such reports were verified, no one held exclusive rights to violence or intimidation.
“Whether the information is right or wrong, let us put it on record that nobody has the right to violence, nobody has the monopoly of misbehaviour, and nobody has the monopoly of the social media.
“Since the beginning of the ranting of some Itsekiri elements attacking our people, I, the spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, have never made any comments. But it is now pertinent to state that nobody should touch anybody from Ikantu. We are solidly behind the Ikantu people. Should anybody stretch their hands to as much as touch the hair of any Ikantu man on account of the truth that they have said, they will incure the wrath of the gods of Gbaramatu Kingdom that I know will not hesitate to take action.”
He issued a direct warning that any act of aggression against Ikantu would be met with spiritual consequences from the Gbaramatu deities.
“To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” he said.
High Chief Gbenekama also addressed individuals of Ijaw descent who have been aligning with the Itsekiris, urging them to reconnect with their true heritage.
“And let me also say, all those children of Gbaramatu that are claiming to be Itsekiri, please trace your ancestry. I am using this video to tell people like Ayiri Emami-they are struggling to remove you from the Ologbosere of the Itsekiri Kingdom because you have ancestry. You have Ijaw ancestry, that is why they are struggling to remove you.. you are there going to defend them in the NSA office. Well, nobody will stop you, but retrace your steps and roots.”
He further called on other communities believed to have Ijaw origins but are currently under Itsekiri jurisdiction to follow the example of Ikantu and openly reclaim their rightful identity.
“I am using this video to call on all other communities like Obodo, where Oweizibiri was buried; like Omadinor (Amadunou) Community-meaning ‘community general fishing ground,’ that is the name-where Emiemie was buried; and Joala-meaning ‘it takes long to Canoe to it’ where Egbegha founded. They should also retrace their steps. Gbaramatu is solidly behind them, and as I speak, nobody will touch them. Let them say the truth for once. Those Itsekiri threats ‘na water, nothing go happen to una.’ And if there should be anybody that touches the hair of these communities on account of the truth that they are saying, the Gods of the land of Gbaramatu will fight for them.”
Gbenekama reaffirmed the Gbaramatu Kingdom’s unwavering support for Ikantu and other related communities, assuring them that any attempt to harm them would be resisted both physically and spiritually. He concluded by urging all communities with ancestral ties to Gbaramatu to proudly reclaim their heritage without fear.
By: Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
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Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.