In a powerful and emotionally charged address, His Royal Highness, Chief Godwill Akedesuo, the Acting Amananaowei of Amassoma Community in Bayelsa State, has issued a stern condemnation and a demand for justice following the alleged brutal killing of a native son, Patrick Peresuodei.
The press conference, held in Amassoma, centered on what the royal father described as the “gruesome, unacceptable, and highly disrespectful” murder allegedly carried out by one Mr. Bodmas Kemepadei. HRH Akedesuo framed the act not just as a crime against an individual, but as a deep affront to the peace, unity, and collective dignity of the entire Amassoma Community.
“Such an act stands completely against the values, culture, and long-standing hospitality for which Amassoma is known,” the monarch declared.
A Tale of Betrayal and Violence
The narrative presented by Chief Akedesuo painted a picture of painful betrayal. He revealed that the suspect, Bodmas Kemepadei, is a graduate and former Master’s degree student of the Niger Delta University (NDU), located in Amassoma.
According to the royal father, Kemepadei lived peacefully in the community for years during his academic pursuits, benefiting from its “warmth, accommodation, and goodwill.” This history, he lamented, made the subsequent violence even more reprehensible.
“Despite enjoying the hospitality of the Amassoma people, Bodmas chose to repay the community with violence by beating a young, promising youth of Amassoma to death, thereby committing a painful and unforgivable crime,” HRH Akedesuo stated.
A Community’s Patience Wears Thin
The Acting Amananaowei expressed profound grief over what he called a recurring tragedy. He lamented that the Amassoma community, known for its tolerance and openness to strangers, has repeatedly seen its sons and daughters killed by non-indigenes over “minor and avoidable disputes.”
“This injustice will no longer be tolerated,” he asserted, signaling a decisive shift in the community’s stance. “The Amassoma Community has resolved to pursue this matter legally and relentlessly until justice is fully served.”
Royal Ultimatum and Declaration
Consequently, HRH Chief Godwill Akedesuo issued a direct ultimatum to the communities of Koluama 1 (Southern Ijaw LGA) and Agoro (Sagbama LGA), identified as the roots of Bodmas Kemepadei. He demanded they “produce and hand over Mr. Bodmas Kemepadei to face the law.”
He issued a clear warning: failure to comply would compel the Amassoma Community to take “further lawful actions” to protect its people.
In a move underscoring the severity of the situation, Bodmas Kemepadei was officially declared “an enemy of the Amassoma Community.” The royal father extended this warning to any Amassoma indigene associated with Kemepadei in “criminal, cultic, or idol-related activities,” demanding they sever ties immediately or face being declared an enemy themselves.
Legal Onslaught Assured
The community has moved beyond warnings to concrete legal action. HRH Akedesuo confirmed that a formal petition has been submitted to the Commissioner of Police through the community’s lawyers. As a result, Bodmas Kemepadei and members of his gang have been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force.
“Any person, whether an indigene of Amassoma or not, who was involved in this heinous act will face the full weight of the law, regardless of status or affiliation, as the community possesses clear and credible evidence,” he added.
Call for Calm and Commitment to Justice
In light of these developments, the royal father called on the Amassoma Youth Development Association (AYODA) Worldwide and its Yenagoa Chapter to suspend a protest previously scheduled for Monday at the Police Commissioner’s office. He assured the public of the community’s top-level commitment to a legal resolution.
“All actions taken, outcomes, and official updates will be promptly communicated to the public,” he stated, urging stakeholders to remain law-abiding.
Finally, HRH Chief Godwill Akedesuo expressed gratitude to external bodies and individuals who have shown support. He concluded with a rallying call for justice, thanking the people of Nigeria, Bayelsa State, and the Amassoma Community for their solidarity.
The case now presents a critical test for inter-community relations and the efficacy of the justice system in Bayelsa State, with a determined traditional institution vowing to leave no stone unturned.
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