Tension is rising in Egbeda community, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, following the dissolution of the Community Development Committee (CDC) and Youth Council executives and the subsequent unilateral appointment of new leaders by the council chairman, Chidi Lloyd.

The Chairman’s Press Secretary, Bright Jossy, confirmed the inauguration of the new executives in a statement on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with no reason provided for the dissolution of the previous leadership.

Egbeda, which had enjoyed relative peace after years of security challenges, now faces a fresh threat to stability as residents protest what they describe as an imposition of leadership on the community.

Traditional leaders, men, women, and youths gathered at the community square on Friday to express their displeasure over the development. They insisted that only executives chosen and accepted by the people should be recognized, calling on the council to issue appointment letters to those approved by the community.

Community leaders fear the action could lead to unrest similar to that which occurred in nearby Rumuji, where a related dispute reportedly resulted in the death of a youth.

The Palace Secretary, Francis Ebee, who read the communiqué on behalf of the community’s Paramount Ruler, Eze Dida, alleged that the action by the council chairman amounted to “an unprovoked attack on the community’s psyche, dignity, intelligence and existence”.

He insisted that the traditional institution remains the legitimate authority to constitute such community bodies.

“Hon. Chidi Lloyd’s brazen intervention in our traditional governance is morally messy, politically unhealthy and offensive, culturally illicit, legally unlawful, socially unacceptable and provocative,” the monarch stated.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to intervene and call the council chairman to order to avert a possible crisis.

The traditional Institution, however, assured that the people of Egbeda would continue to support both the Federal and State Governments in their efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy and promote peace and development.

Egbeda community, one of the most economically viable communities in Emohua LGA, hosts at least three major international oil firms. (Channels TV)