When you hear the name Bayelsa State, the first thing that comes to mind is usually oil, politics, and the Niger Delta. But beyond the crude oil, fishing settlements, and mangrove swamps, Bayelsa has produced some of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals—men and women who have used politics, business, and industry to build fortunes that make them stand tall not just in the Niger Delta, but across the country.

Today, I’ll be taking you on a journey through the lives of the top 10 richest people in Bayelsa State, their estimated net worths, and of course, how they made their money. Sit back, grab a chilled drink, because this gist is loaded.

1. Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless – The Medical Doctor Turned Billionaire Businessman

When people say “from stethoscope to oil refinery,” they are basically describing Dr. Eruani. This man started out as a medical doctor but later decided that healing patients was too limiting for his ambition. Today, he is the founder and brain behind Azikel Group, a conglomerate that spreads its tentacles across dredging, aviation, construction, power, and petroleum refining.

What really stands him out is his Azikel Refinery, one of the first private hydro-skimming refineries in Nigeria. Imagine moving from prescribing drugs to refining crude oil—that’s a serious career upgrade!

Depending on which source you check, his net worth is pegged at $80 million and above. But when you see the kind of empire he controls, you know this man is not just rich, he is Bayelsa rich.

2. Chief David Lyon – The Oil Servicing Giant

David Lyon is one of those names that cannot be mentioned in Bayelsa without people nodding their heads in recognition. Many know him as the politician who almost became governor, but what most don’t realize is that Lyon has built a fortune in oil servicing, construction, pipeline security, and real estate.

Some estimates boldly place his net worth at around $900 million (yes, almost a billionaire in dollars!), while others suggest a more conservative $30 million. But whether it’s the higher or lower figure, one thing is certain: Chief David Lyon has bagged serious money from oil contracts and smart investments.

3. Timi Alaibe – The Strategist with Oil Money

If there’s one Bayelsan whose name rings when it comes to development and wealth creation, it’s Timi Alaibe. A former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Alaibe didn’t just depend on government appointments; he used his influence and expertise to build wealth in finance, oil services, and consultancy.

Interestingly, depending on the source, his net worth swings wildly—from $5 million to $750 million. That’s a massive gap, but it only goes to show how mysterious and understated Alaibe can be about his money moves. What nobody doubts, though, is that Timi Alaibe is one of Bayelsa’s richest sons.

4. Senator Seriake Dickson – The Governor Who Built an Empire

If you lived in Bayelsa between 2012 and 2020, then you definitely know Seriake Dickson, the man who served as governor for eight years. But politics aside, Dickson has invested heavily in real estate, hospitality, and agriculture.

There are reports that place his net worth around $600 million. Whether that figure is exaggerated or not, one thing is sure: Dickson’s name carries serious financial weight in Bayelsa and beyond. His influence, both political and economic, continues to shape the state even after his tenure.

5. Chief Timipre Sylva – Oil Consultant Extraordinaire

Another big name on the Bayelsa money list is Timipre Sylva, a former governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out where most of his money comes from—oil consultancy, energy deals, and political influence.

Like others on this list, Sylva’s wealth estimates are all over the place. Some say $50 million, while others push it up to $580 million. Regardless of the exact figure, his role in Nigeria’s petroleum sector has positioned him as one of the richest and most influential Bayelsans alive today.

6. Edmund Daukoru – The Oil Geologist Turned Monarch

Talk about a man who has seen it all—from the boardroom of OPEC to the throne of Nembe. Dr. Edmund Daukoru, a trained geologist, once served as Minister of Petroleum and also as Secretary-General of OPEC. Today, he sits as the Amayanabo of Nembe, one of the most respected traditional rulers in Bayelsa.

His wealth, estimated at around $50 million, comes from his long career in oil and politics, as well as his status as a traditional ruler. He is proof that Bayelsa’s wealth story is deeply tied to crude oil and the privileges it brings.

7. Ben Murray-Bruce – The Media Mogul

Now, this is a name that resonates not just in Bayelsa, but across Nigeria. Ben Murray-Bruce, popularly known as the “common sense senator,” is the founder of Silverbird Group, a media and entertainment giant that owns radio stations, television networks, and cinemas across the country.

His estimated net worth of about $200 million is no surprise when you consider how Silverbird has dominated Nigeria’s media and entertainment scene. Beyond business, Murray-Bruce has also represented Bayelsa East in the Senate, combining political influence with entrepreneurial success.

8. Heineken Lokpobiri – The Lawyer with Political and Business Clout

With a name that sounds like a beer brand (don’t lie, you thought it too), Heineken Lokpobiri is another Bayelsan who has mixed politics with wealth creation. A former Minister of State and seasoned politician, Lokpobiri has invested in agriculture, oil servicing, and education.

His net worth is placed at around $20 million, making him one of the top wealthy individuals from Bayelsa. Though not as flashy as some others, Lokpobiri has quietly built a reputation as a rich man with deep connections.

9. Governor Douye Diri – The Incumbent Millionaire

The current governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, is also on this list. Beyond the power of his office, Diri has investments in real estate, agriculture, and other businesses.

While his net worth is estimated at about $10 million, which is modest compared to others here, he remains one of the most financially comfortable individuals in Bayelsa. Given his political position, his fortune will likely continue to grow.

10. The Alamieyeseigha Family – Legacy of Wealth

You can’t talk about Bayelsa’s wealthiest without mentioning the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the first elected governor of the state. Despite his controversial political career and corruption scandals, Alamieyeseigha amassed a significant fortune, with assets in Nigeria and abroad.

Even after his death, his family continues to enjoy the wealth he left behind. Some reports put their estate at £13 million (about $16 million), while others claim it could be as high as $480 million. One thing is clear: the Alamieyeseigha family is still one of the richest in Bayelsa.

Quick Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Looking at this list, one thing is very clear: Bayelsa wealth is deeply tied to oil, politics, and influence. From Dr. Eruani’s industrial empire to Ben Murray-Bruce’s media dominance, and from the political clout of Sylva and Dickson to the legacy of Alamieyeseigha, Bayelsa State has no shortage of big money players.

But beyond the figures, these stories show us something deeper—success in Bayelsa often comes from a mix of entrepreneurship, political access, and strategic investments. While some have built their fortunes quietly, others wear their wealth loudly on their sleeves.

Whichever way you look at it, Bayelsa has stamped its place as a land of wealth and influence in Nigeria. And if history is anything to go by, more billionaires and multimillionaires will continue to rise from this oil-rich state.