…Capt. Dr. Winston Ogoun is Not a Recognized Monarch – Bayelsa Govt
…Allegedly Connives to Sell NDDC-Donated Generators Meant for Bilabiri Communities
The Bayelsa State Government has disowned Capt. Dr. Winston Ogoun, who claims to be the Pere of Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, declaring that he is not among the state’s officially recognized monarchs. The government has warned individuals, oil companies, and security agencies against dealing with him under any guise.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, confirmed that Capt. Dr. Winston Ogoun is not a gazetted monarch in Bayelsa State. He warned that any individual or company engaging with him does so at their own risk.
In a letter addressed to the Country Chairman of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Rumubiakani, Port Harcourt, Osagie Okumbo, and titled:
“Re: Recommendation of His Royal Majesty, Pere of Bilabiri of Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, Capt. Dr. Winston Ogoun,” dated 3rd March 2025,
the Bayelsa government made its position clear:“I write to affirm that Dr. Winston Ogoun is not a gazetted Chief as recorded in our official documents.”“Please be informed that anyone who does business with him does so at their own peril.”“Be guided accordingly.”
The letter was also copied to senior management of SPDC, other oil companies, security agencies, including the Police, Military formations, and the Joint Task Force in Bayelsa State.
Bilabiri Communities Held Hostage by Fear and Intimidation
Investigations reveal that Capt. Dr. Winston Ogoun, in collusion with Takenane Abaka, the self-imposed CDC Chairman of Bilabiri 1, have subjected the Bilabiri 1 community to a reign of fear, intimidation, and harassment.
Local residents have reportedly been silenced, afraid to speak out against their activities due to threats of violent retaliation. The Bayelsa State Government and security agencies are being urged to take immediate action to end this unlawful oppression and restore peace to the community.
Fraudulent Sale of NDDC-Donated Generators
Reports indicate that Takenane Abaka and Capt. Dr. Winston Ogoun allegedly sold off two high-capacity generators originally provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2008 for Bilabiri 1 and 2 communities.
The generators in question—
- A 300KVA Perkin
- A 500KVA Caterpillar
—were valued at over ₦500 million but were allegedly sold for a meager ₦11 million in a fraudulent deal.
It is alleged that this illegal transaction was arranged to obtain fake recognition and was facilitated by Abrakassa, a former official of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who retired in 2024.
This brazen act of betrayal has deprived the Bilabiri communities of essential infrastructure, raising serious concerns about corruption and abuse of power.
The people of Bilabiri are demanding justice and accountability. The Bayelsa State Government and relevant authorities must ensure that those responsible for this fraudulent scheme are brought to book.