Nigerian musician and activist Charly Boy has ignited online discussions after sharing a viral video depicting a Bayelsa traditional ruler delivering a scathing address to President Bola Tinubu. The monarch’s impassioned plea urged the President to “surrender” in the face of Nigeria’s deepening economic hardship.
On October 11, Charly Boy posted the compelling clip on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that the traditional ruler’s pointed criticism of President Tinubu stemmed from unfulfilled expectations of political backing from the presidency. The video quickly gained traction, resonating with many Nigerians grappling with the current economic climate.
Monarch’s Urgent Message on Economic Woes
Speaking in potent Pidgin English, the traditional leader did not mince words, directly challenging President Tinubu over surging fuel prices, the persistent non-functionality of domestic refineries, and the overall deterioration of the national economy. His call for the President to “surrender” highlighted the profound frustration felt by many citizens.
However, Charly Boy’s initial post contained a crucial misidentification regarding the speaker’s identity. He erroneously attributed the powerful remarks to Asari Dokubo, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri in Rivers State, a prominent supporter of Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign.
Unveiling the True Identity: Chief Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII
Investigations confirmed that the man featured in the viral video was actually Chief Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII, the revered Amadabo of Moko-Ama in Sangana, Akassa Kingdom, located within the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Chief Kenibara was also widely respected for his leadership as chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs and the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress, known for his dedication to peace and development initiatives in the Niger Delta region.
The confusion surrounding his identity was partly fueled by Chief Kenibara’s physical resemblance to Asari Dokubo, who himself has previously addressed similar instances of lookalike videos being mistakenly attributed to him. Interestingly, Asari Dokubo, despite his vocal support for President Tinubu during the 2023 elections, has also expressed his own frustrations at various times, citing what he perceived as a lack of reciprocal engagement from the presidency.
A Tragic Postscript: The Passing of Chief Kenibara
In a somber development that followed the widespread circulation of his video, reports confirmed the untimely passing of Chief Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII. He died at the age of 64 between October 8 and 10, just days after his critical message to the President went viral, reportedly due to complications arising from a liposuction procedure. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences across social media platforms, underscoring his impact and the respect he commanded.