Ex-NUJ Chairman Condemns Suspension of Okpoama Chiefs Council Chairman, Others

 Former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Tarinyo Akono, has strongly criticized the alleged purported suspension of the Okpoama Kingdom Chiefs Council Executive, led by High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha. 

Comrade Tarinyo Akono

The alleged suspension according to Comrade Akono followed a controversial Ibekobiriya meeting held on July 26, 2025, at Okpo Square, which Akono described as poorly organized and a "kangaroo gathering."

Akono voiced his disapproval while speaking to newsmen in Yenagoa in response to a statement he alleged was issued by Bebara Egein, on the outcome of the meeting.

He dismissed allegations that Chief Egba-Dienegha was attempting to usurp the functions of the 'regent', labeling the claims as baseless, spurious, and unfounded. According to Akono, the suspension was part of a calculated plot to destabilize the community for selfish interest, saying that such purported suspension cannot stand since there was a subsisting matter in court.

The Ex-NUJ Boss accused Chief Paul Briggs-Suobagha and his allies of displaying "shameless desperation" in their efforts 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 behavior.

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 gentlemen of the press: 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.

Akono alleged that their tactics is to incite, intimidate and oppress them.

He advised the youths not to allow themselves to be used by people who don't mean well for them.