Ijaw Monarch Moses Theophilus Dies At 64

His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII, the Amadabo of Moko-Ama in the Akassa Kingdom, Bayelsa State, has reportedly died at the age of 64 amid reports linking his death to complications from a liposuction procedure.

Reports of his death emerged around October 9, 2026, prompting tributes from members of the Ijaw community, associates and other Nigerians. TheNewsGuru subsequently reported on October 10 that the monarch had allegedly died following complications from the cosmetic surgery. However, the exact date of his death and the reported cause had not been independently confirmed.

Theophilus was the traditional ruler of Moko-Ama, a community in Sangana, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, within the Akassa Kingdom.

He was crowned Amadabo of Moko-Ama in 2016, a position he reportedly described as a divine calling. Beyond his traditional responsibilities, he held leadership positions within the Ijaw community, including serving as chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs and of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

As chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs, Theophilus advocated unity among royal houses and supported efforts to establish a written constitution for the council, according to reports on his death.

His leadership also extended to community development, with tributes describing him as an advocate of peace, unity and development in the Niger Delta.

The Niger Delta Herald, in its report published on October 9, described his death as a loss to the Ijaw community, particularly those who worked with him in traditional institutions, community leadership and host-community development.

The newspaper also reported that he chaired the KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), adding to his involvement in community affairs.

After reports of his death, condolence messages circulated on social media, with mourners remembering his contributions to his community and the wider Ijaw nation.

However, details surrounding the procedure allegedly linked to Theophilus’s death, including where it was performed and the specific complications involved, remained unclear in the available reports.

The Niger Delta Herald reported on October 9 that the immediate cause of death had not been established at the time of its publication. Subsequent reports linked his death to alleged complications from liposuction, but an official confirmation of that account was not available in the cited reports.

As of the time of filing this report, no verified statement from the monarch’s family or palace authorities confirming the precise circumstances of his death had been established from the available sources.

His reported passing comes as members of the Ijaw community mourn the loss of a traditional ruler who occupied positions in both the traditional institution and the wider Ijaw leadership structure.