Royal Father Blows Hot, Warns Ogoni People Against Politics of Bitterness
As preparations heighten towards the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, recent political developments across various sections of the country have raised grave concerns for leadership at the grassroot, especially, the traditional institution.
The Gbenemene of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom and Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Suanu T. Y. Baridam, has called on politicians and their supporters to ensure that political differences do not degenerate into hostility, violence and divison.
The Royal Father made the appeal while speaking on a current affairs programme on Super FM 93.3, Port Harcourt, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, anchored by Segun Owolabi.
King Baridam, who also serves as the Executive Publications Officer of the Forum of African Kings, Sultans and Queens, expressed concern over growing tensions and inflammatory comments among political supporters, particularly in Ogoniland.
He further cautioned against the increasing use of social media as a platform for spreading hatred and promoting divisions among Ogoni people, expressing concern over what he described as a growing culture of attacking and discrediting respected Ogoni leaders because of political disagreements.
“Today people are attacking one leader because of his political position. Tomorrow they may attack another. This must stop. These are leaders who have contributed to the growth and development of Ogoniland. We may not all agree politically, but we must respect one another,” he said.
According to him, democracy thrives on differing opinions, but such differences should never be allowed to destroy relationships, divide communities or create enemies among people who have lived together for generations.
He further noted that traditional rulers, in particular, have a responsibility to identify and resolve conflicts at their early stages before they escalate into larger crises capable of threatening peace and development.
“Conflict always starts from a small misunderstanding. If it is not properly handled, it grows into something much bigger and more difficult to control. That is why traditional rulers must continue to play active roles in promoting peace and mediating disputes within their communities,” he stated.
Addressing the growing quest by the Ogoni people to produce the nect governor of Rivers State, the monarch maintained that the aspiration is legitimate and deserving of support but warned against allowing political ambitions to divide the people.
He pointed out that no ethnic nationality in Rivers State can single-handedly produce a governor without the support of other groups, urging politicians to focus on building alliances rather than creating unnecessary tensions.
“If an Ogoni person emerges as a candidate, he must seek support from other ethnic groups across the state. The same applies to candidates from Kalabari, Ikwerre or any other ethnic nationality. Nobody can become governor alone. Rivers people must collectively decide who governs them,” he said.
He called for wisdom, stressing that prominent leaders such as Magnus Abe, Lee Maeba, Bennett Birabi, Pidomson Thompson, and several others remain invaluable assets to Ogoniland regardless of their political affiliations. Political supporters must learn to disagree without resorting to insults, threats, blackmail or character assassination.
He also condemned cult-related activities and political violence, alleging that some politicians continue to empower criminal elements for political purposes, only for such individuals to become threats to society.
“There is no violence without sponsors. When young people are armed and encouraged to engage in violence, the entire community eventually suffers. We must reject such practices if we truly desire peace and development,” he warned.
