Gokana Local Government Area was brought to a standstill on Friday, August 21, 2026, as thousands of residents of Kegbara-Dere, K-Dere, Community staged a massive protest demanding the immediate release of their Paramount Ruler, HRH Mene Maxwell Deekor Gberesuu.
The peaceful demonstration began at the community town square and moved through key locations in Gokana, with stops at the Gokana Police Station in Kpor, the traditional seat of power in Giokoo, and the Local Government Council Secretariat before returning to K-Dere.
Carrying green leaves a traditional symbol of peace protesters comprising elders, youths and women chanted solidarity songs and demanded answers over the monarch’s arrest and continued detention.
Community leaders who addressed officials at the council secretariat described the detention as unlawful and a threat to the fragile peace in the area.
Spokesperson Smith Bariduduune and Women Leader Ledisi Nomkia expressed disappointment over the development. Central Youth Council President, Barileela Keeloo, said the community had only just found stability under Mene Gberesuu.
“Our community finally found peace and unity under Mene Maxwell after a long storm. Dragging our substantive traditional ruler into a police cell threatens the fragile peace we just built. We will not leave the streets until our king walks free,” Keeloo declared.
The protesters alleged that the arrest was orchestrated by “external interests” working with “merchants of crisis” within the community who benefit from discord.
The detention comes just weeks after a landmark Rivers State High Court judgment affirmed the Zormaa Suu Royal Family’s exclusive right to select the Menebon of K-Dere. The ruling ended a protracted leadership tussle that had seen Mene Gberesuu face opposition and legal challenges over his reconfirmation for a second tenure.
The sudden move has sent shockwaves through the oil-rich Ogoni community, with residents calling on authorities to uphold the court ruling and restore the dignity of their monarchy.
As of press time, there was no official statement from the police or the Gokana LGA on the circumstances surrounding the Paramount Ruler’s detention.
