King Ebitimi Banigo Resigns As King of Okpoama

Banking legend and former minister of Science and Technology, HRM King Ebitimi Banigo, Ibenyanaowi XXI, has formally opted to abdicate his throne as the Ibenyanaowi of Okpoama Kingdom in Bayelsa State.
In a proclamation he issued on Apri 15, King Banigo, said he took the decision to retire because his prevailing health challenges, which requires his long absence from the kingdom, would not allow him to spend good time with the people as his throne demands.
He therefore, offered to vacate the stool with effect from July 31, 2024 to allow for enough time for the people to elect and install a new Ibenyanaowi of Okpoama.
He said he would notify the Bayelsa State Government of the proclamation and, thanked the people of Okpoama for giving him the honour to serve as their king. He equally thanked God for giving him the privilege to rule over the kingdom of beautiful lands, creeks and people.
The abdicating monarch pledged however, to continue to contribute to the development of Okpoama Kingdom and the preservation of the culture of the people, just as he did before ascending the throne. “By the grace of God and working together, we can collectively develop Okpoama Kingdom to the land of our dreams,” he said.
He lamented the harsh economic realities of Nigeria, which he described as the worst ever in recent history, and the attendant excruciating poverty, hunger, insecurity and bad governance. He wished he could stay on to confront these issues, but lamented, “I have been contending with health challenges which has not made this possible.”
It could not be confirmed if it was the first time that the king of Okpoama had voluntarily abdicated the throne. But it is uncommon for kings in the Niger Delta to quit the throne and live the rest of their lives as ordinary citizens.