His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII, the Amadabo of Moko-Ama in Sangana, Akassa Kingdom, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has died at the age of 64, with unconfirmed social media reports linking his death to complications allegedly arising from liposuction surgery.
News of the traditional ruler’s death emerged on October 8 and 9, 2026, as tributes poured in from community members and associates. Media reports confirmed his passing on October 10, although details surrounding the exact date, location and circumstances of his death remained unclear.
Social media accounts, including Instablog9ja, claimed that the monarch died following a liposuction procedure at an undisclosed hospital. However, the allegation has not been independently verified, and no official statement establishing the cause of death had been issued at the time of reporting.
The Trumpet also reported that the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s death remained unconfirmed, with further details expected from the relevant authorities and traditional institutions.
Theophilus was a prominent figure in the traditional leadership structure of the Akassa Kingdom. He was crowned Amadabo of Moko-Ama in 2016, a position he reportedly described as a divine calling. Over the years, he established himself as an advocate for peace, unity and community development.
Beyond his role as the traditional ruler of Moko-Ama, he served as Chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs and Chairman of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), positions that placed him at the centre of traditional and community affairs in the area.
During his tenure as chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs, Theophilus championed unity among royal houses and advocated the introduction of a written constitution to strengthen the council’s administration. He also supported efforts to install a paramount ruler for the Akassa clan, which had reportedly gone more than two decades without one.
The late monarch was equally known for his commitment to grassroots development and community security. In August 2026, he publicly commended the Nigerian Navy for arresting suspected militants accused of terrorising parts of Akassa, including Igu-Buo, also known as Cape Formoso Island.
His contributions to peacebuilding and development in the Niger Delta also earned him recognition from the Bayelsa Media Network Awards, which nominated him for Man of the Year and Peace Advocate of the Year in late 2025.
His death has been described as a significant loss to Moko-Ama, the wider Akassa Kingdom, Brass Local Government Area and the Ijaw nation, where he played an active role in traditional leadership and community affairs.
As tributes continue to emerge, residents and traditional institutions are awaiting further official information about the circumstances of his death and arrangements for his burial.
Shola Akinyele
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