Bayelsa State Government has announced the death of the Amananaowei (paramount ruler) of Ofoni Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, HRH Auditor Onakpohor, in a road accident on Friday.
A statement issued on Friday by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Douye Diri, explained that the Governor is deeply saddened over the fatal accident.
According to the statement, the sad incident occurred along the Sagbama-Ekeremor road “as the vehicle conveying HRH Onakpohor and about 12 other traditional rulers somersaulted and skidded off the road into the bush around Sagbama community“.
The statement added: “The occupants of the vehicle were rescued and taken to the Sagbama General Hospital where the injured were administered first aid while those with more serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri.
“Unfortunately, the Ofoni monarch, who was part the Bayelsa West delegation on the New Year visit of the immediate past governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West senatorial district, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, to Governor Diri at his country home, Sampou, passed on.
“Immediately the governor was informed about the incident and loss of life, he directed that the event be cancelled.
“Governor Diri has been briefed by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who also hails from Ofoni, and on behalf of the state government expresses sincere condolences to the paramount ruler’s family and the people of Ofoni Federated Community.
“He also extends his sympathies and that of the government to the other victims of the accident and their families just as he prays for their quick recovery.
“The governor equally commiserates with his predecessor, Senator Dickson, who was leader of the delegation“.
