Council says only its recognised leadership has authority to administer the community, warns against actions capable of disrupting public peace
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The Council of Chiefs of Omekwe Tari-Ama Community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State has rejected and declared invalid the purported installation of Mr. Gilles Clark Georgewill as the Amayanabo of the community.
The position was contained in a statement issued after an emergency meeting of the Council held on September 25, 2026, and signed by the Regent and Chairman of the Council, His Highness Chief Hon. Dabotubo Ngoji Saturday Horsfall, and the Secretary, Alabo Sir (Hon.) Ibiyemiebaro Oruye.
The Council said the purported installation was carried out without the authority or approval of the recognised Council of Chiefs and therefore does not represent the position of Omekwe Tari-Ama or its established traditional leadership structure.
According to the Council, Omekwe Tari-Ama continues to operate under the traditional system recognised by Kalabari custom, under which communities are administered by a Council of Chiefs headed by a King or, where applicable, a Regent.
The Council alleged that some suspended individuals and persons it described as non-members of the community had recently attempted to interfere with the traditional administration of Omekwe Tari-Ama.
It further alleged that their activities could create tension within the community and potentially threaten public peace.
The Council said it considered it necessary to make its position public in order to prevent what it described as misinformation and to clarify who currently has authority to administer the affairs of the community.
Dispute Over Former Regent
The Council also revisited its earlier decision concerning Chief Forsbrey Cotterell, who it said was removed from the position of Regent on October 23, 2024.
According to the Council, Chief Cotterell was suspended and dismissed following allegations relating to vandalisation, stealing and the unlawful sale of government and community property, as well as alleged withholding of funds belonging to the Council.
The Council claimed that the former Regent admitted to the allegations and is currently under investigation.
It said the matter had been reported to the Buguma Police Division, Abalama Police Division, the Asari-Toru Local Government Council and the Asari-Toru Council of Traditional Rulers.
The Council also alleged that Chief Cotterell acted alongside several individuals, naming Mr. Ajumoniabereba Williams Wwokocha, Mr. TamunobilaAmakiri Wokoma, Mr. Atombosoba John Elekima, Pastor Jenbarimiema Saturday Horsfall and Ms. Jiba Raymond Cotterell.
Those allegations have been presented by the Council and remain subject to investigation and due process.
Council Challenges Purported Coronation
The Council further alleged that some chiefs who had previously been suspended for what it described as conduct unbecoming of traditional office later aligned themselves with the former Regent.
It said the Council initially hoped the suspended chiefs would reconcile with the leadership and return to their traditional responsibilities.
Instead, according to the statement, the individuals allegedly proceeded to organise what the Council described as an unauthorised coronation of a purported King of Omekwe Tari-Ama.
The Council rejected the exercise and maintained that those involved lacked the authority to install an Amayanabo on behalf of the community.
It said the development was particularly concerning because traditional leadership disputes can have wider implications for community relations, security and public order.
The Council therefore called on members of the public, government authorities and other stakeholders to disregard the purported installation and recognise only the leadership constituted by the recognised Council of Chiefs.
Council Lists Recognised Leadership
The Council stated that Omekwe Tari-Ama is currently administered by a six-member Council of Chiefs headed by Regent Dabotubo Saturday Ngoji-Horsfall.
The Council listed its current members as:
- His Highness Chief Hon. Dabotubo Saturday Ngoji-Horsfall — Regent and Chairman of Council
- Alabo Rt. Hon. Paworiso B.J. Samuel-Horsfall
- Alabo Sir (Hon.) Ibiyemiebaro Oruye — Secretary
- Alabo Dr. Ibiolila Starr B.J. Samuel-Horsfall
- Alabo Oduye John Bruse Atiegoba
- Alabo Soibibo Okiri Osuwigwe
It specifically stated that Chief Benibo Amieyeofori, Mr. Basoene, formerly known as Chief Kala-Dokubo, and Chief Forsbrey Cotterell are no longer members of the Council of Chiefs, having been suspended or unseated.
The Council argued that individuals who have been suspended or removed from the traditional leadership structure cannot legitimately exercise powers they no longer possess.
Appeal for Calm
The Council appealed to residents, community members and the general public to remain calm while the issues surrounding the competing claims to traditional authority are addressed.
It said the statement was not intended merely to respond to the purported coronation but also to clarify the existing leadership structure and prevent further misunderstanding over who speaks for Omekwe Tari-Ama.
The Council said it remained committed to the development of the community and claimed that efforts were underway to attract both domestic and foreign investment opportunities to Omekwe Tari-Ama.
It said such efforts were being pursued in collaboration with government institutions, including the local government council, state and federal ministries and departments, as well as private-sector organisations.
According to the Council, the objective is to promote development, create economic opportunities and improve the living conditions of residents.
The Council maintained that the purported installation of Gilles Clark Georgewill as Amayanabo did not have its approval and should not be regarded as an authorised change in the traditional leadership of Omekwe Tari-Ama.
It urged all parties involved in the dispute to respect the law, established community procedures and the authority of relevant government institutions while the matter is addressed.
The Council said it would continue to pursue what it described as peace, stability, development and the protection of the interests of the people of Omekwe Tari-Ama.
