The traditional leadership dispute in Ogurama, a Kalabari community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, has intensified following allegations of threats and intimidation made by Prince Ibiba Inko Omoni Williams, who is being presented by the Iyo Royal Family as the Amadabo-Elect.
The development comes amid renewed attention to a December 2025 judgment of the Rivers State High Court, which addressed the succession rights of the royal families in Ogurama.
In Suit No. DHC/24/2009, the court, presided over by Justice O. David Gbasam, declared the Alabiomoni Royal House as the recognised royal house in Ogurama and ruled that the Amadabo Chieftaincy Stool should rotate according to seniority among the Ikiba, Iyo, Teme and Daba Royal Families.
The judgment further stated that following the death of the late HRH Evans Bille, the Iyo Royal Family was next in line to produce the Amadabo.
The court also directed the Iyo Royal Family to unanimously nominate a candidate for presentation to the Alabiomoni Royal House for installation. It restrained the defendants, their agents, relatives and privies from interfering with the family’s right to produce the next Amadabo.
From Mapuibi to Ibiba
Following the judgment, members of the Iyo Royal Family said Prince Mapuibi Inko Omoni Williams was initially selected before the family subsequently nominated Prince Ibiba Inko Omoni Williams.
The latest nomination was contained in a September 9, 2026 letter signed by elders of the royal family.
Supporters of Prince Ibiba therefore regard him as the Amadabo-Elect, based on what they describe as the succession right established by the court.
However, the situation has been complicated by the emergence of Monima Evans Bille, who, according to allegations made by Prince Ibiba’s supporters, has been presented or installed as Amadabo.
Prince Ibiba alleged that Harmony Douglas had previously declared Monima Evans Bille as Amadabo in 2023 while the succession dispute was still before the court.
He further alleged that armed groups were used during the incident to intimidate members of the community, including the regent, Hon. Benjamin Orugbani, and his son.
These allegations have not been independently established in the information provided.
Dispute over succession
Supporters of Prince Ibiba also challenge Monima Evans Bille’s eligibility to occupy the Ogurama stool.
They argue that his paternal origins are linked to Ilelema community and contend that he does not belong to the royal succession line recognised under Ogurama custom.
Their position is that the emergence of Monima conflicts with the High Court’s determination that the Iyo Royal Family should produce the next Amadabo.
The central issue is therefore not only the identity of the individual being presented for the stool but also the process through which the court’s succession ruling is to be implemented.
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Allegations of intimidation
Prince Ibiba has alleged that opposition to his emergence has resulted in intimidation and threats against members of the Iyo Royal Family.
He also accused some police officers of allegedly handling the crisis in a manner that favours his rivals.
Prince Ibiba specifically alleged that the Chairman of Degema Local Government Council, Hon. Michael John Williams, has taken sides in the dispute. He also alleged that one Amieyeofori LongJohn, whom he described as an aide to the council chairman, serves as a Chief Security Officer appointed by Monima Evans Bille.
He further accused the officer of involvement in activities that have contributed to tensions in the community. These allegations remain claims by Prince Ibiba and have not been independently verified.
The Amadabo-Elect also alleged that the Divisional Police Officer of the Degema Police Division, Angus Inyiruika, had acted with bias in handling the crisis.
According to Prince Ibiba, police protection was allegedly not provided to him and his supporters when they attempted to visit Ogurama, despite what he described as the presence of armed youths and suspected thugs in the community.
He claimed that his rivals and Harmony Douglas, by contrast, received police protection.
Prince Ibiba further alleged that some of his brothers were detained following what he described as a false petition and trumped-up allegations. He claimed that they were denied bail despite an alleged directive from a senior police officer ordering their release.
He also alleged that an 83-year-old relative with serious medical concerns was moved to Borokiri Police Station after spending two days in detention at the Degema Police Division.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the police and other individuals named in the claims have not provided their responses in the material available for this report.
Prince Ibiba has also alleged that he received information about a plan to harm him if he continued to pursue his claim to the Ogurama traditional stool.
The allegations have added a security dimension to the longstanding succession dispute.
The December 2025 High Court judgment remains central to the disagreement, particularly its finding on the recognised royal house and the sequence through which the Amadabo stool should rotate.
The immediate questions are now whether the succession process outlined by the court will be followed, who has the authority to represent the Iyo Royal Family, and how the competing claims surrounding the Ogurama stool will ultimately be resolved.
With allegations of threats, intimidation and police bias now forming part of the dispute, stakeholders will face pressure to ensure that the disagreement does not escalate into violence or further unrest in the community.