Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday visited the newly installed monarch of Atissa Kingdom, King Diemeze Victor Awala, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accelerate development in Yenagoa, the state capital.
King Awala was crowned on 2 May 2026 as the 8th Ebeni-Ibe of Atissa Kingdom, one of the principal traditional stools in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA).
The coronation birthed a new chapter for the kingdom, which hosts key state institutions including the Bayelsa Government House.
Speaking at the royal palace in Obogoro, Governor Diri said the visit was to formally identify with the monarch and celebrate his ascension to the throne.
He described King Awala as a long-standing associate whose leadership qualities would benefit the Atissa people.
"I am particularly happy because I have known you over the years. I remember when you left me to the party we all belong to now. Parties are vehicles for development. So, let us not because of politics become enemies with one another," the governor said.
He praised the peaceful manner in which the kingdom managed the burial rites of the late monarch, insisting that the conduct reflected his government’s policy of fostering peace and harmony across Bayelsa.
"Your kingdom is a crucial part of Yenagoa and you are also hosting the Government House. Indeed, you are our landlord.
"I commend you for the very peaceful coronation and the peaceful way you conducted yourselves during the period of the death and burial of the late monarch. That is what our government stands for; peace and harmony.
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"This visit is to thank God and celebrate with you on your coronation. Knowing you, I am sure you know what to do and you are already doing well.
"This kingdom is one we hold in very high esteem. We believe you will continue to work with government for the peace of the state," he said.
On requests for additional developmental projects, the governor urged the traditional council to formally document its needs.
He assured that the requests would be reviewed and addressed within the limits of available resources.
Responding to complaints by the king over the suspension of work on the land reclamation project in Obogoro, Governor Diri explained that an adequate feasibility study was not carried out before construction began.
The governor assured that work would resume once the ongoing study is concluded.
In his remarks, King Awala lauded the governor’s visit, saying it had given the kingdom a new sense of belonging.
He thanked the state government for its support during the burial of the late monarch and appealed for further assistance to complete the palace project and construct roads in Famgbe, Yenaka and Bebelebiri communities.
The monarch pledged Atissa Kingdom’s continued cooperation with the state government to advance development in Bayelsa.
Dignitaries on the governor’s entourage included Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe; Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly; Bernard Kenebai and Mrs Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, representing Sagbama Constituency 2 and 3 respectively; Chief Fidelis Agbiki, All Progressives Congress APC senatorial candidate for Bayelsa West; Chief Solomon Agwana, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP; as well as members of the state executive council and other government functionaries.
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