The Paramount Ruler of Ekede Town, His Royal Highness (Sir) Hon. Gad Harry Ekprikpo (JP), Nde XI, alongside the Ekede Council of Chiefs in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, have paid glowing tributes to the late Okaan-Ama of Ayama Ekede, His Royal Highness King Bibiama Julius Ekprikpo VII, describing him as a peaceful, people-oriented monarch whose reign brought unity, progress, and development to Ayama Ekede.
Speaking with journalists at his palace, shortly after the burial ceremony of the late king on Saturday, 16th May 2026, HRH (Sir) Hon. Gad Harry Ekprikpo (JP) noted that the late monarch, who passed at the ripe age of 90, was a leader with exceptional integrity whose peaceful disposition significantly advanced the welfare of his people.
According to the Ekede monarch, the late King Bibiama Julius Ekprikpo VII was widely respected for fostering unity, promoting education, and championing community development throughout his reign.
He further stated that while the people of Ayama Ekede and the wider Ekede Kingdom were gathered to celebrate the life and legacies of a transparent and dedicated ruler, they also remained saddened by the tragic circumstances surrounding his death five years ago at the hands of those who did not wish the community well.
However, HRH Gad Harry Ekprikpo expressed gratitude that after five years, the people of Ayama Ekede and the Ekprikpo Royal Family were finally able to give their late king a befitting burial.
He urged the people of Ayama Ekede and the entire Ekede Kingdom to embrace peace, unity, and collective progress in honour of the late monarch’s enduring legacy.
Also speaking, Chief Renner Ibot-Oron Ekede, a member of the Ekede Council of Chiefs, described the late king as a wise, transparent, and peaceful leader whose counsel greatly influenced his own role in conflict resolution as a chief.
Chief Renner highlighted one of the late king’s most remarkable achievements as securing the recognition of the Ekprikpo Royal House as the legitimate ruling family of Ayama Ekede through successful legal victories at both the High Court and Appeal Court.
He noted that the installation of the new king, HRH O.O. Nsenyen Ekprikpo VIII, as Okaan-Ama of Ayama Ekede, was in full accordance with Andoni customs and traditions, which require the succession of a new monarch upon the passing of a reigning king, provided the ruling family is in agreement.
He dismissed attempts by disruptive elements to create confusion within the kingdom, assuring that such efforts would never succeed.
Chief Renner further encouraged the people to emulate the peaceful and visionary leadership style of the late king in order to sustain development across the kingdom.
In his tribute, Chief (Engr) Prince Harry Gad Ataowot described the late King Bibiama Julius Ekprikpo VII as a humble and approachable ruler whose humility endeared him to people from all walks of life.
He stated that the peace and stability enjoyed throughout Ekede Kingdom during the late king’s reign were direct results of his calm and unifying leadership.
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Chief Ataowot added that although, the Ayama Ekede community and the Ekprikpo Royal Family deeply feel the loss of a great traditional ruler, they remain thankful for the successful burial ceremony and called on all community members to maintain peace for continued development.
He also advised the newly installed king to uphold the legacies of peace, unity, and progress established by his predecessor to ensure the continued advancement of Ayama Ekede and the entire Ekede Kingdom.
By Ben Owen
