Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has officially removed the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, from the Ebeniken chieftaincy throne over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the community.
The decision was announced on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community at the Government House in Yenagoa. Governor Diri, who was represented by his deputy, said the action followed the recommendations of a government-appointed fact-finding committee set up to investigate the security situation in Swali.
Chief Seiyefa had been suspended alongside members of his Council of Chiefs on May 21, 2025, following allegations linking the community leadership to rising insecurity and unrest in the area. The government's decision to withdraw recognition from the traditional ruler was taken in line with the provisions of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, particularly Section Six, which empowers the government to act in the interest of peace, order, and good governance.
Addressing stakeholders, Deputy Governor Akpe said the government carefully reviewed the findings of the investigative committee before arriving at its decision. He stated: "The fact-finding committee engaged various stakeholders in Swali Community, and also got advice from security agencies on the way forward. From the recommendations of the committee, following their findings, it is clear that, as at the time those actions (causing violence and insecurity) were taken, the leadership was weak and not firm to take decisions to manage the situation".
Consequently, Governor Diri approved the withdrawal of the Staff of Office of Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa in the interest of peace. The government also directed that the process of electing a new paramount ruler for Swali Community must commence immediately and be concluded within three months, starting from June 30, 2026.
The dethroned monarch has been ordered to return his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month, after which the documents will be transmitted to the governor. The deputy governor clarified that members of the current caretaker committee in Swali will remain in office pending the emergence of a new leadership, except for any member who decides to contest for an elective position in the forthcoming process.
Meanwhile, the state government has inaugurated a five-member electoral committee to oversee the selection of a new Ebeniken of Swali. The committee is chaired by High Chief Bertola Perekeme, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs. Other members include Barrister Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke, and Barrister Richard Perekeme, while Mrs. Domo-Spiff Boma will serve as secretary.
In a related development, the Bayelsa State Government also set up a seven-man caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Mr. Monday Edugo was named chairman of the committee, while Dr. Moses Areprekumor will serve as secretary. Other members include Francis Eseduo, Allen Okorodo, Peter Akpasi, Christian Brown, and Akpu Arthur.
The governor commended traditional institutions, community leaders, and security agencies for supporting the administration's efforts to sustain peace across the state. He also urged traditional rulers to fully understand and comply with the state's Chieftaincy Law to avoid sanctions.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments