By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

The lingering kingship crisis rocking Aghoro II community of Idiwuni Kingdom in Ekeremor Local Government of Bayelsa State heightened on Wednesday, as residents protested the alleged plot by the government to tamper with their choice.

They reminded the state government, through the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, that their choice is Afro Biukeme as the Amananaowei (King) of Aghoro II community.

The residents warned that any attempt to tamper with their choice would be resisted and would definitely lead to another round of crises in the community.

The protesters said their action stemmed from the information reaching them that the government had allegedly concluded plans to bring back former King Ojunkonsin Ibamughan whom they had rejected.

During the demonstration, the protesters chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with the inscriptions such as: ‘Deputy Governor, leave Us Alone, We Can Settle Our Problem’. ‘We Have Chosen HRH Afro Biukeme as our King’. ‘No Going Back On HRH Afro Biukeme’. ‘The People of Aghoro II Community Have Spoken Loud And Clear’. ‘Bayelsa State Government, Respect Our Choice’, among others.

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Speaking during the protest, Chief O. Bousine, who led the protest, said they began to smell rat the day they were invited by the government through the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to the Government House in Yenagoa .

Bousine said: “I commend Senator Egwhrujakpor for the way he started the process. But what we are hearing now is very bitter. We are not going to allow him or anybody to impose the former king on us. Never! “

But the Bayelsa State Government has directed the people of Aghoro II to maintain the status quo over the chieftaincy stool crisis.

It cautioned individuals and communities to resist the temptation of engaging in subversive activities aimed at dethroning traditional rulers whose chieftaincy stools have been recognised by law.

The deputy governor had made the position known when he met with the chiefs, elders and other community representatives of Aghoro II community over the disputed Amananaowei stool.

Explaining the state Chieftaincy Law, Ewhrudjakpo cited Section 28, which states that no individual or group has the right to either dethrone or install a traditional ruler without following due process as stipulated by law.

He, therefore, directed all the parties involved in the Aghoro 2 community leadership conflict to observe status quo with His Royal Highness Ojunkonsin Ibamughan still serving as Amananaowei, pending the final determination of the issues raised at the meeting.

He warned traditional rulers not to see their recognition as a licence to oppress and shortchange their people, as the law also provides a window for their removal.