By Samuel Oyadongha
Yenagoa—Traditional rulers in Bayelsa State, who are in the habit of administering their domains from exile have been urged to retrace their steps, as the state government will no longer condone royal fathers who abdicate their responsibilities.

Governor Timipre Sylva, who handed down the warning while receiving the report on the Twon Brass disturbances, said his administration would not hesitate to look into any community where a few individuals arrogate power to themselves and misuse it for parochial reasons.

The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ola Doifie, noted that one of the problems in Bayelsa today, was the attitude of traditional rulers, who have chosen to live outside their domains and delegate responsibilities to people not recognised by the traditional institution.

Judging from the report of the committee, the Governor noted that Twon Brass was a clear example of traditional authority being misused and the people subjugated.
Sylva, who described the situation as an attempt to distort an age-old tradition, observed that
such a situation was capable of causing confusion among the people.

He warned that henceforth, traditional rulers should inform their local government area chairmen before travelling out of their domains, stressing that there is an extant regulation requiring them to do so.

Sylva said the state government would set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which will take an in-depth look at the problem and give legal backing to the solutions proffered.

He commended the committee for thoroughly and painstakingly looking at the crisis in Twon Brass and promised to implement its recommendations.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, King Joshua Igbagara lauded the Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve, pointing out that the committee got the views of all stakeholders in the kingdom before arriving at their recommendations.