The creation of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, in 1996 from Rivers State led to the appointment of its first administrator, Philip Ayeni. Since then, Bayelsa has witnessed various leaders from both military and civilian backgrounds.
If you’re not up to date with current affairs, you might not be familiar with the past and present governors of Bayelsa State, especially if you’re not from that region of the country. However, for the sake of knowledge and to track government progress across different administrations, this guide has been compiled to educate you on the succession of governors in Bayelsa State.
In this guide, you will find their names, years in office, and political party affiliations. Highlights include details about the first military administrator as well as the current governor’s profile.
Complete List of Bayelsa State Governors from 1996 to Present
Let’s glance at the table to meet them one after the other.
| Governor | Tenure | Party |
| Phillip Ayeni | Oct 1996 – Feb 1997 | Military Administrator |
| Habu Daura | Feb 1997 – Jun 1997 | Military Administrator |
| Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade | Jun 1997 – Jul 1998 | Military Administrator |
| Paul Obi | Jul 1998 – May 1999 | Military Administrator |
| Diepreye Alamieyeseigha | May 1999 – Dec 2005 | PDP |
| Goodluck Jonathan | Dec 2005 – May 2007 | PDP |
| Timipre Sylva | May 2007 – Apr 2008 | PDP |
| Werinipre Seibarugo | Apr 2008 – May 2008 | Acting Governor |
| Timipre Sylva | May 2008 – Jan 2012 | PDP |
| Nestor Binabo | Jan 2012 – Feb 2012 | Acting Governor |
| Henry Seriake Dickson | Feb 2012 – Feb 2020 | PDP |
| Douye Diri | Feb 2020 – Present | PDP |
Who Was the First Governor of Bayelsa State?
There’s a common misconception that Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was the first governor of Bayelsa State. However, that belief is incorrect. The pioneer governor of Bayelsa State was Philip Oladipo Ayeni. He was a military officer appointed by General Sani Abacha following the creation of the state in 1996.
When Ayeni entered office, Bayelsa had no established government structure or formal governor’s residence. He reportedly operated from the premises of the Social Democratic Party, as the newly created state was still laying its foundational framework.
Despite his short tenure (spanning from October 26, 1996, to February 28, 1997);Captain Ayeni oversaw significant foundational developments. His administration initiated the construction of key government infrastructure, including the State Secretariat Complex, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, housing for legislators, and residences for traditional leaders.
He also played a pivotal role in funding projects such as the Bayelsa Sports Complex, Radio Bayelsa, and the state capital Yenagoa Motor Park. His achievements within just five months demonstrate a remarkable level of dedication and vision, unlike many modern-day leaders who focus more on personal enrichment than public service.
Born in 1949, Philip Ayeni hails from Oke-Imesi in Ekiti State. In his military career, he rose to the rank of Naval Captain in the Nigerian Navy.
Captain Ayeni’s leadership is a reminder that impactful governance is not necessarily about how long one stays in office, but about the commitment to meaningful change. The legacy he left behind continues to benefit Bayelsa State to this day.
Who Was the First Civilian Governor of Bayelsa State?
After years of consecutive military administrations, Bayelsa State ushered in a new era of civilian governance. Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha became the first democratically elected executive governor of the state in 1999 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He was later re-elected in 2003 and issued a certificate of return for his second term.
Diepreye was born on November 16, 1952, in Amassoma, a community located on Wilberforce Island, where the Niger Delta University (NDU) now stands. After completing his secondary education, he pursued a career in the military, enrolling as a cadet officer at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1974. With a strong sense of purpose and drive, he joined the Nigerian Air Force, where he was posted to the Logistics and Supply Department.
His dedication and diligence earned him the rank of Squadron Leader before retiring in 1992, having held several key positions within the force. After his military service, he worked briefly in the private sector before fueling his political ambition to lead Bayelsa State.
Did Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Make an Impact as the First Civilian Governor?
Yes, he did. His administration left lasting impacts, particularly in education and infrastructure.
- He founded the Niger Delta University (NDU), making access to higher education more attainable for Bayelsans.
- He also built and renovated numerous primary and secondary schools across both urban and rural areas of the state.
- His administration introduced bursaries for Bayelsa students and awarded scholarships for postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhDs), both locally and internationally.
In terms of infrastructure:
- His cabinet initiated and completed the first dual-carriageway in the state, dualizing the Mbiama Yenagoa Road.
- He completed the Tombia Amassoma Bridge, connecting communities across water.
- He established the Samson Siasia Sports Complex to boost sporting activities.
- His government also initiated a 500-bed hospital at Imgbi Road, though it was later abandoned after his administration.
Beyond development, Alamieyeseigha was a powerful voice for the Ijaw people, championing equity in fiscal allocation and fighting for the rights of Niger Deltans in the Nigerian federation. These efforts earned him the widely respected title, “Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation.”
Although his second term was cut short due to corruption allegations, his legacy as the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State remains significant. Many of his contributions are still evident today and live on in the hearts of Bayelsans.
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha reportedly died in 2015, initially said to be from cardiac arrest. Later reports linked his death to complications from high blood pressure and diabetes.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Bayelsa State?
Douye Diri is the 12th and current governor of Bayelsa state. Since 14th Feb 2020, Diri has been in the seat of power after leaving the house on 11th February 2020 as a senator for Bayelsa central.
Diri ran for the governor office in 2019 under the people democratic Party but lost to David Lyon who was declared the winner of the election and became the governor. However, David was sacked by the tribunal courts due to legal issues relating to forged certificates. This action led to the issuing of a return certificate to Diri. by inec on February 14th 2020.
Diri born on June 4th 1956 his early education began at Okoro Primary School in Sampou. From there proceeded to Reverend Proctor Memorial Primary school where he rounded up his first leaving certificate. His secondary education was at the government college at Odi town Bayelsa. Douye didn’t end his education at secondary level, he went on to obtain NCE from river state college of education, Port Harcourt in 1985. From there gained admission into Port Harcourt university to study political science where he graduated in 1990 with B.Ed.
However, before ascending into the Bayelsan governorship seat, his immediate political office was a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria who represented the Central senatorial district of Bayelsa from 2019 – 2020.
While in office, Diri had a legal issue in which the Abuja tribunal sacked him from the governor on August 17th but the order was overruled by the court of appeal, Abuja.
Nevertheless, as governor, Diri achievement covers infrastructure development, education, improvement of healthcare facilities and centers. His actively involved in your empowerment programs and also paying.attention to security challenges to maintain peaceful living space for the people of the state.
In summary, we beieve this write up has enlightened you on the history of bayelsa state govetrnors, names, year in office, and key contribution to the state. You can always check back for any update to the list or do further research if you are looking for specifici information about any of the governors =.
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