Lucky Tubotu, an indigene of Bilabiri 1 community, has strongly refuted claims of having personal issues with Amb. Capt. Winston Ogoun JP, who asserts himself as the monarch of Bilabiri Mein Kingdom.
Tubotu, speaking on behalf of the Concerned Stakeholders for Truth and Progress in Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, clarified that his stance is based on facts, not personal grievances, and aims to prevent misinformation from spreading.
He questioned the legitimacy of Ogoun’s claims to the throne, stating that he has not been recognized by the Bayelsa State Government nor gazetted as a traditional ruler. “Ogoun’s claim of being presented with a staff is false,” he asserted.
Backing this claim, Tubotu cited an official statement from the Bayelsa State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed by the Commissioner, Chief Thompson Amule, confirming that Ogoun is not a recognized monarch. He called on the state government and relevant authorities to intervene and prevent further misrepresentation of Bilabiri’s traditional leadership.
Tubotu dismissed allegations that he has been banned from Bilabiri due to criminal activities, calling them baseless. “I have never been involved in any form of crime. My family is known for peace, truth, and progress,” he stated.
Instead, he turned the spotlight on the Abaka family, accusing them of long-standing involvement in organized crime. He challenged them to reveal the whereabouts of:
Meshack Abaka – Former youth president of Bilabiri 1 (2011), allegedly involved in a ship hijacking near Cameroon, where he and his gang were killed. He didn’t return from that mission neither did he complete his tenure.
Frankincense Abaka – Notorious sea pirate who led a gang that hijacked the Chinese vessel MV HAILUFANG II off the Ivory Coast in 2020. He and his crew were captured by the Nigerian Navy and are currently serving time in Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre, Lagos.
Tekenane Abaka – Self-proclaimed CDC Chairman of Bilabiri 1, allegedly arrested in 2013 after a vessel hijacking and kidnapping operation in the Forcados off shore .Some of his gang members were killed on that faithful day. He was arrested and spent 7 years in the Warri Correctional Centre.How he came out from prison is still questionable, whether he served a jail term, jumped bail, released or through a jail break?
Just recently, Tekenane Abaka swindled a public spirited individual, Amaisigabueze Global Resources who paid #1,350.000 to him for the WAEC enrollment of students in Bilabiri 1 and 2 communities. He forwarded 34 names of fictitious students to the donor and pocketed the money. Is that not a criminal offense ” obtaining by trick”.?
Ebimene Abaka aka Small Fire – Accused of the killing of Frank Seide in April 2021 over tenure extension issues in Bilabiri. He and his gang kidnapped three expatriates accompanying Hon. Berry Negerese, Govt and Chevron Nig Ltd that were going to commission a cottage hospital that was built by the Dodo Rural River Development Area in Amatu 2 community in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
That incident led to the death of one Paul Sebele, a son of Amatu. It was alleged that he raped the only female among the expatriates. What criminal activity can be more than this?
“The Abakas have terrorized Bilabiri for years, yet they have the audacity to point fingers at me. Instead of hiding in shame, they still try to manipulate community leadership,” Tubotu declared.
Tubotu also raised concerns about the sale of two heavy-duty generators donated to the community by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He dismissed claims that they were sold due to technical issues and high maintenance costs.
“How much were they sold for? Where did the money go? Too many unanswered questions,” he challenged, demanding transparency and accountability.
Tubotu rejected accusations of mental instability, calling them a desperate ploy to silence his advocacy for justice. He labeled his critics as criminals who have engaged in piracy, theft, and violence, jeopardizing Bilabiri’s peace and development.
“The real threat to Bilabiri is not me but those who hijack leadership for personal gain. The same individuals accusing me are the architects of criminal operations that have destabilized our region,” he stated.
Tubotu reaffirmed his commitment to truth, good governance, and the progress of Bilabiri. He vowed to continue exposing corruption and holding wrongdoers accountable, despite efforts to tarnish his reputation.
