Ogbia Paramount Rulers Visit Bayelsa Governor’s Media Adviser, Offer Royal Blessings
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Seven paramount rulers from Ogbia Kingdom in Bayelsa State have paid a courtesy visit to Chief (Hon.) Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, Technical Adviser to Governor Douye Diri on Media and Public Affairs, offering him traditional blessings.
The royal fathers visited Ikuli at his office in Yenagoa on Monday, October 12, 2026, following their attendance at the historic visit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the Azikel Refinery in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
According to Ikuli, the visit came as a surprise, as he had prepared for the former president’s engagement at the refinery but did not anticipate the opportunity to host the traditional rulers.
He explained that the royal fathers invited him to join their group photograph after Obasanjo departed the refinery alongside Governor Diri and Azikel Group President, Dr Azibapu Godbless Eruani, for a luncheon at Creek Haven, the Bayelsa State Government House.
The rulers subsequently informed him of their desire to meet with him, prompting a visit to his office, where they offered prayers and traditional blessings.
Describing the encounter as an unexpected and memorable experience, Ikuli expressed gratitude to the royal fathers for the honour and goodwill extended to him.
He also noted that the delegation represented the three recognised clans of Ogbia Kingdom: Emeyal/Kolo Creek, Anyama and Oloibiri, describing their representation as symbolically significant.
The seven paramount rulers who visited Ikuli were HRH David Osene Osene Ogb olo XI of Elebele Community; HRH Sopana Agala Ogb olo of Ayama Community; HRH Lucky Chukuigwe of Imiringi Community; HRH Pere John Thatcher Abara, Esq., Tughu VIII, of Oruma/Yibama Community; HRH Andy Inengite Azibalua of Ewoi Community; HRH Isaac Azikiwe Ibebel, Eyal V, of Emeyal I Community; and HRH Bamekpar Ominigbo of Kolo III Community.
Ikuli prayed for God’s continued blessings, protection, prosperity and guidance for the traditional rulers, expressing appreciation for what he described as a rare privilege to receive their goodwill.
The visit highlighted the role of traditional institutions in community relations and the enduring cultural significance of royal blessings in Ogbia Kingdom.
