List of governors of Bayelsa State

Governor of Bayelsa State

Flag of Bayelsa State of Nigeria

Incumbent
Douye Diri

since 14 February 2020

Government of Bayelsa State
Style|

* Governor (informal)
* His Excellency or Your Excellency (courtesy)[1]

Member of| Executive Council of Bayelsa State[2]
Residence| Creek Heaven, Yenagoa[3]
Seat| Yenagoa
Term length| Four years, renewable once consecutively[2]
Constituting instrument| Constitution of Nigeria
Inaugural holder| Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
Formation| May 1999
Deputy| Deputy governor of Bayelsa State
Location of Bayelsa State in Nigeria

Bayelsa State, located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, has been led by colonial, military, and civilian administrations. Before Nigeria's independence in 1960, the territory that now constitutes Bayelsa was part of the Eastern Region, one of Nigeria's original administrative divisions.[a] During the colonial era, British officials governed the Eastern Region, which included the area now known as Bayelsa State, until Nigeria's independence in 1960. Thereafter, Nigerian officials, including Francis Akanu Ibiam as governor and Michael Okpara as premier, administered the region until the first military coup in 1966 which led to the abolition of the regional system. In 1967, Nigeria's military leader Yakubu Gowon split the Eastern Region into three new states: East-Central State, South-Eastern State, and Rivers State. Bayelsa remained part of Rivers State for nearly three decades, under both military and civilian rule. In 1996, the Nigerian military government under Sani Abacha created Bayelsa State, carving it out of Rivers State.

Upon its creation, Bayelsa was governed by a series of military administrators until Nigeria's return to civilian rule in 1999, when Diepreye Alamieyeseigha became the first democratically elected governor of Bayelsa. Since then, the state has been led by successive civilian governors, including Goodluck Jonathan, who later became president of Nigeria. Subsequent governors included Timipre Sylva, Henry Seriake Dickson, and the incumbent, Douye Diri.

## List of governors

[edit]

### Eastern Region

[edit]

Before Nigeria's independence in 1960, the territory that now constitutes Bayelsa State was part of the Eastern Region, one of the country's original administrative divisions. During the colonial era, British officials governed the Eastern Region, with Clement Pleass (1954–1956) and Robert Stapledon (1956–1960) serving as governors. After independence, Francis Akanu Ibiam (1960–1966) became the first Nigerian governor of the Eastern Region, while Michael Okpara served as its second premier (1960–1966).[5] The Governor was a ceremonial role that represented the British monarchy until Nigeria became a republic in 1963.[6] The Premier was responsible for the region's executive functions.[7] However, following Nigeria's first military coup in January 1966, the military dismissed civilian premiers and appointed military administrators,[8] with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu governing the Eastern Region from January 1966 until its dissolution in May 1967.[5]

### Rivers State

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of governors of Rivers State.

In May 1967, following Nigeria's restructuring by Yakubu Gowon, the Eastern Region was divided into three new states: East-Central State, South-Eastern State, and Rivers State.[5] The newly created Rivers State, including what is now Bayelsa State, was placed under military rule, with Alfred Diete-Spiff serving as its first military governor (1967–1975).[9][10] The state remained under military administration until Nigeria's brief return to civilian governance in 1979, when Melford Okilo of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) became its first elected governor.[11] A new office was created for the 1979 elections: deputy governor of Rivers State. Deputies were elected on a joint ticket with the gubernatorial candidate, and thus shared the same party by default.[12][2] However, the military coup of December 1983 led to the dismissal of civilian governments, and Rivers State returned to military rule under police commissioner Fidelis Oyakhilome (1984–1986) and successive military administrators. There was another brief civilian transition in 1992, when Rufus Ada George of the National Republican Convention (NRC) was elected governor.[13][14][15] The military annulled the Third Republic in 1993, and Rivers State was again placed under military administration.[13]

Military governors, administrators and civilian governors of Rivers State  № | Governor  | Term in office  | Party  | Election  | D. Governor

|
|
|
|
|

1  | —  | Alfred Diete-Spiff
(b. 1942)
[9] | May 1967

July 1975
[9] |  | Military Governor  | —  | Office did not exist
2  |  | Zamani Lekwot
(b. 1944)
[16] | July 1975

July 1978
[13] |  | Military Governor  | —
3  | —  | Suleiman Saidu | July 1978

October 1979
[13] |  | Military Governor  | —
4  | —  | Melford Okilo
(b. 1933–2008)
[17] | October 1979

December 1983
[18] |   | NPN
[19] | 1979
1983
[20][21] | Frank Eke
5  | —  | Fidelis Oyakhilome
(b. 1939)
[22] | January 1984

August 1986
[13] |  | Military Governor  | —  | Office abolished
6  | —  | Anthony Ukpo
(b. 1947)
[23] | August 1986

July 1988
[13] |  | Military Governor  | —
7  | —  | Ernest Adelaye
(b. 1943)
[24] | July 1988

August 1990
[13] |  | Military Governor  | —
8  |  | Godwin Abbe
(b. 1949)
[25] | August 1990

January 1992
[13] |  | Military Governor  | —
9  | —  | Rufus Ada George
(b. 1940)
[26] | January 1992

November 1993
[13] |   | NRC
[27] | 1991
[28] | Peter Odili
10  | —  | Dauda Komo | December 1993

August 1996
[13] |  | Military Administrator  | —  | Office abolished

### Bayelsa State

[edit]

On 1 October 1996, during the military regime of Sani Abacha, Bayelsa State was carved out of Rivers State.[29] At its creation, Phillip Ayeni was made the first military administrator of Bayelsa State in October 1996, a position he held until February 1997.[30] Habu Daura took over in February 1997, followed by Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade in June 1997, and later Paul Obi, who governed from July 1998 until 29 May 1999.[31]

Following the death of military ruler Sani Abacha—who had suppressed political dissent—his successor, Abdulsalami Abubakar, annulled Abacha’s plans, established a new electoral commission, and oversaw fresh elections and the adoption of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. These actions culminated in the start of Nigeria's Fourth Republic on 29 May 1999, when Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as President under the platform of the PDP.[32] Under the Fourth Republic, Bayelsa State has been governed by elected civilian governors, beginning with Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (May 1999–December 2005) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).[33] His administration was overshadowed by allegations of corruption, leading to his impeachment on 9 December 2005.[33] Following Alamieyeseigha's removal, his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, was sworn in as governor and completed the administration's term.[34][35]

Timipre Sylva emerged victorious in the 2007 elections under the PDP banner and assumed office in May 2007. However, his election was nullified in April 2008 by the Court of Appeal following a legal challenge by his opponent, Ebitimi Amgbare, who alleged electoral irregularities.[36] This annulment led to a brief six-week interim government under the Bayelsa State House of Assembly speaker Werinipre Seibarugo, who served as acting governor from 16 April to 27 May 2008.[37] Sylva later won the re-run election and resumed office, serving from 27 May 2008 to 27 January 2012.[36] However, his tenure was terminated when the Supreme Court ruled against an extension, removing him from office.[36] Nestor Binabo briefly served as acting governor for 18 days, from 27 January to 14 February 2012,[38] before the election of Henry Seriake Dickson, also of the PDP, who replaced Binabo and served for two consecutive terms from 14 February 2012 to 14 February 2020.[39][31] Following Dickson's exit, Douye Diri was elected in the 2019 gubernatorial elections. Although he was not initially declared the winner, Diri became governor after the Supreme Court disqualified the All Progressives Congress candidate due to his running mate's submission of forged documents to Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission. Diri assumed office on 14 February 2020 and remains the incumbent governor.[40]

Heads of the government of Bayelsa State  № | Governor  | Term in office  | Party | Election | D. Governor

|
|
|
|
|

1  | —  | Phillip Ayeni
(b. 1949–d. 2017)
[41] | October 1996

February 1997
[31] |  | Military administrator | —  | Office did not exist
2  | —  | Habu Daura | February 1997

June 1997
[31]
3  | —  | Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade
(b. 1954)
[42] | June 1997

July 1998
[31]
4  | —  | Paul Obi | July 1998

May 1999
[31]
5  |  | Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
(b. 1952–d. 2015)
[33][43] | May 1999

December 2005
[31][33] |   | PDP
[33] | 1999
2003
[33] | Goodluck Jonathan
6  |  | Goodluck Jonathan
(b. 1957)
[44] | December 2005

May 2007
[31] |   | PDP
[33] | —  | Peremobowei Ebebi
7  | —  | Timipre Sylva
(b. 1964)
[45] | May 2007

16 April 2008
[31] |   | PDP
[45] | 2007
[46]
8  | —  | Werinipre Seibarugo | 16 April 2008

27 May 2008
[37] |  | Acting governor | —  | —
9  | —  | Timipre Sylva
(b. 1964)
[45] | 27 May 2008

27 January 2012
[31][37] |   | PDP
[45] | 2008 rerun
[46] | Peremobowei Ebebi
Impeached
(May 2008–July 2010)
[47]
Werinipre Seibarugo
(July 2010–27 January 2012)
[48]
10  |  | Nestor Binabo
(d. 2023)
[47] | 27 January 2012

14 February 2012
[47] |  | Acting governor | —  | —
11  | —  | Henry Seriake Dickson
(b. 1966)
[49] | 14 February 2012

14 February 2020
[31] |   | PDP
[33] | 2012
2015
[50] | Gboribiogha John Jonah
12  |  | Douye Diri | 14 February 2020

Incumbent
[40][51][52] |   | PDP
[51][52] | 2019
2023
[52][40] | Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

## See also

[edit]

* List of governors of Rivers State
* Governor of Bayelsa State

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Nigeria's regional system of government was a decentralised political structure where the country was divided into autonomous regions—each with its own legislature, executive, and judiciary—allowing them to govern internal affairs and manage resources independently, while still operating under a central federal authority.[4]

## References

[edit]

### Citations

[edit]

1. ^ Akinpelu, Olusegun (17 December 2019). "From His Excellency to Mr Governor". This Day. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
2. ^ a b c Article VI, Section II, Constitution of Nigeria, 1999
3. ^ Addeh, Emmanuel (13 February 2017). "A New House for Bayelsa". This Day. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
4. ^ Oluwadele, Boluwatife (27 November 2024). "Thoughts on the proposed regional government in Nigeria". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Archived from the original on 28 November 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
5. ^ a b c Falola & Genova 2009, p. 103.
6. ^ Meredith, Martin (27 June 2006). The Fate of Africa. PublicAffairs. p. 193\. ISBN 978-1-58648-398-2.
7. ^ Garrison, Lloyd (29 July 1962). "Nigerian Inquiry Bares Corruption; Extent of Graft Surprises Nation – Many Involved". The New York Times. p. 12\. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 25 August 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
8. ^ Yusha'u, Muhammad Jameel (2018). Regional Parallelism and Corruption Scandals in Nigeria: Intranational Approaches to African Media Systems. Springer Publishing. p. 182\. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-96220-7. ISBN 978-3-319-96219-1.
9. ^ a b c "Profile: Alfred Diete-Spiff". Premium Times. 17 March 2014. ISSN 2360-7688. Archived from the original on 18 January 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
10. ^ Uzoatu 2011, p. 33.
11. ^ Ige-Edaba, Iboro (3 July 2020). "Okilo; 12 years after". The Nation. ISSN 1595-3793. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
12. ^ Ogwutum, Solomon (2001). Okwurume: The Biography of Chief Eric Aso, Okwurume I of Oropotoma. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers). p. 46\. ISBN 978-978-020-199-9.
13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Realising The Rivers Dream: Achievements Of Past Governors". The Tide. 27 May 2017. ISSN 0331-2615. Archived from the original on 19 June 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
14. ^ Sekibo, Abiye (5 November 2015). "Nigeria must commence reorientation of its value system now". Vanguard (Interview). Interviewed by Kumolu, Charles; Oke, Gbenga. ISSN 0794-652X. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
15. ^ Daminabo, Amayanabo Opubo (2005). Ken Saro-Wiwa, 1941-1995: His Life & Legacies. Hanging Gardens Publishers. p. 239\. ISBN 978-978-2868-59-6.
16. ^ "How I was framed, tried and convicted - General Lekwot". P.M. News. 10 September 2023. ISSN 2006-7968. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
17. ^ Ige-Edaba, Iboro (10 July 2020). "Remembering Melford Okilo". This Day. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
18. ^ Gimba, Hassan (7 April 2025). "Rivers must not overflow, Mr President!". Blueprint. Archived from the original on 8 April 2025. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
19. ^ Uneze, Amby (10 July 2020). "Twelve Years After: Remembering Melford Okilo, The Country Man". This Day. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
20. ^ Joseph 1981, p. 22.
21. ^ "Bayelsa's gifts to Nigeria". The Nation. 26 August 2013. ISSN 1595-3793. Archived from the original on 8 April 2025. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
22. ^ Osso 1990, p. 680.
23. ^ Uwechue, Raph; Bing, Adotey; Matatu, Godwin; Babangida, Ibrahim Badamasi (1991). "Africa Who's who". Africa Journal Limited. Africa Books: 1762. ISBN 978-0-903274-17-3. ISSN 0261-1570.
24. ^ Osso 1990, p. 83.
25. ^ Osso 1990, p. 11.
26. ^ "Welcome to Ada George". Adageorge.org. 24 July 2011. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
27. ^ Idachaba, Sunny (31 March 2025). "Sarki Muktar, Rufus Ada George: Where are they now?". Blueprint. Archived from the original on 28 July 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
28. ^ Teniola, Eric (11 August 2021). "The cross Babangida still carries at 80". Nigerian Tribune. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
29. ^ Ukpong, Cletus; Report, Agency (28 March 2025). "Wike, Diri clash over plans by Wike's supporters to hold mega rally in Bayelsa". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Archived from the original on 28 March 2025. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
30. ^ Ambaiowei, Amba (2006). How Bayelsa State Was Created. ANO Publications Company (A.P.C.). p. 104\. OCLC 168295193.
31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Etekpe, Ambily; Dan-Woniowei, Fie David; Koko, Epoweide Isaiah; Ogroh, Stella Embeleakpo (15 April 2022). "An Assessment of the Leadership-Sustainable Development Nexus: Bayelsa State, Nigeria". African Journal of Law, Political Research and Administration. 5 (1): 3. ISSN 2689-5102.
32. ^ Ijomah, B.I.C. (2000). "Nigeria's Transition from Military to Civilian Rule: An Overview". Journal of Political & Military Sociology. 28 (2). University Press of Florida: 307–308\. ISSN 0047-2697. JSTOR 45292816.
33. ^ a b c d e f g h "The man DSP Alamieyeseigha". The Nation. 10 October 2015. ISSN 1595-3793. Archived from the original on 16 April 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
34. ^ Mosadioluwa, Adam (17 November 2024). "Full List: Aiyedatiwa, Jonathan, other former deputy governors who succeeded their principals". Nigerian Tribune. Archived from the original on 17 November 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
35. ^ Ayoade, John A. A.; Akinsanya, Adeoye A. (2013). Nigeria's Critical Election, 2011. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 163\. ISBN 978-0-7391-7588-0.
36. ^ a b c Moyinoluwa, Azeez (21 February 2023). "Timipre Sylva enters race for Bayelsa governor seat". BusinessDay. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
37. ^ a b c Lazarus, Sule (27 March 2010). "Sylva: Can he overcome this latest onslaught?". Sunday Trust. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
38. ^ Samuel, Olusegun (30 June 2023). "Diri Mourns as former Bayelsa Acting Gov, Binabo, Passes on". This Day. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
39. ^ Tamuno, Tony (11 July 2012). "Dickson declares free education". Daily Times. ISSN 0331-2739. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
40. ^ a b c Fasan, Olu (24 February 2020). "Judicialisation of elections erodes democratic legitimacy in Nigeria". BusinessDay. Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
41. ^ "Commodore Ayeni, Former Bayelsa MILAD, Dead At 68". Sahara Reporters. 26 April 2017. Archived from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
42. ^ Shehu, Mohammed S. (4 July 2011). "Nigeria: Faces of Batch 'A' Ministers". Daily Trust. ProQuest 880582884. Archived from the original on 3 April 2025. Retrieved 3 April 2025 – via allAfrica.
43. ^ Adebayo, Taiwo-Hassan (11 October 2015). "How Alamieyeseigha died – Bayelsa Government". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
44. ^ Heyford, Lawson (11 December 2006). "Jonathan: A Colossus at 49". The Source. Vol. 20, no. 10\. Summit Publications Ltd. ISSN 1119-8362. Archived from the original on 15 January 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
45. ^ a b c d "Official Portal of Bayelsa State – The Governor". Government of Bayelsa State. Archived from the original on 20 October 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
46. ^ a b Odufowokan, Dare (1 July 2023). "I was only elected once as Bayelsa governor, Sylva tells court". The Nation. ISSN 1595-3793. Archived from the original on 8 April 2025. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
47. ^ a b c Kash, Elem (29 June 2023). "Death lays icy hand on Bayelsa Governor". Port Harcourt Telegraph. ISSN 1596-244X. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
48. ^ Ofiebor, Okafor (7 July 2010). "Governor Sylva Names Speaker as Deputy Governor". P.M. News. ISSN 2006-7968. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
49. ^ "Legislator – Sen. Seriake Dickson". National Assembly of Nigeria. 28 January 1966. Archived from the original on 10 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
50. ^ "'Dickson 'll perform better in his second term'". The Nation. 15 January 2017. ISSN 1595-3793. Archived from the original on 17 January 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
51. ^ a b Ugo, Chima Joseph (14 November 2023). "Bayelsa election: Labour Party candidate rejects outcome, accuses Diri of vote-buying". Prime 9ja Online. Archived from the original on 19 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
52. ^ a b c Olufemi, Damilola (13 November 2023). "BREAKING: PDP's Diri wins Bayelsa gov election". The Punch. ISSN 0331-2666. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2025.

### Works cited

[edit]

* Uzoatu, Uzor Maxim (30 November 2011). "From baracks to the palace". The Nation. Vol. 7, no. 1960\. ISSN 1595-3793. Archived from the original on 26 January 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025 – via Issuu.
* Falola, Toyin; Genova, Ann (2009). Historical Dictionary of Nigeria. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-5615-8.
* Osso, Nyaknno (1990). Who's who in Nigeria. Newswatch. ISBN 978-978-2704-12-2.
* Joseph, Richard A. (1981). "The Ethnic Trap: Notes on the Nigerian Campaign and Elections, 1978–79". Issue: A Journal of Opinion. 11 (1/2). Cambridge University Press: 17–23\. doi:10.2307/1166229. ISSN 0047-1607. JSTOR 1166229.

*[№]: Number
*[D. Governor]: Deputy Governor
*[b.]: born
*[d.]: died