By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the removal of the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, from the Ebeniken stool over allegations linked to insecurity in the community.
The governor’s decision was conveyed by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The dethronement followed the recommendations of a government-appointed fact-finding committee, which investigated the security situation in the community after the traditional ruler and his Council of Chiefs were suspended on May 21, 2025, over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, said the withdrawal of the monarch’s recognition was in line with Section Six of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which empowers the government to act in the interest of peace, order and good governance.
Announcing the decision, Dr. Akpe said the committee consulted extensively with community stakeholders and security agencies before arriving at its recommendations.
According to him, the findings revealed that the community’s traditional leadership failed to provide the firm leadership required to effectively manage the security challenges confronting Swali.
He stated that Governor Diri had consequently approved the withdrawal of the Staff of Office of the suspended paramount ruler in the overall interest of peace and stability in the community.
The Deputy Governor also directed that the process for the election of a new Ebeniken of Swali should commence immediately and be concluded within three months, beginning from June 30, 2026.
He explained that the state government would constitute an electoral committee to oversee the exercise, describing Swali as a strategic and important community whose traditional institution must be strengthened through credible leadership.
Dr. Akpe further clarified that members of the existing caretaker committee would remain in office pending the emergence of a new paramount ruler, except any member wishing to contest for any of the elective positions.
He also directed the dethroned monarch to surrender the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month for onward transmission to the governor.
The Deputy Governor commended the people of Epie and Atissa Kingdoms as well as security agencies for supporting government’s efforts at restoring peace and urged traditional rulers across the state to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government has constituted a five-member electoral committee to conduct the election of a new Ebeniken of Swali.
The committee is chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Bertola Perekeme, with Barr. Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke and Barr. Richard Perekeme serving as members, while Mrs. Domo-Spiff Boma will serve as secretary.
In a related development, the government also inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to administer 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 are Barr. Francis Eseduo, Mr. Allen Okorodo, Mr. Peter Akpasi, Mr. Christian Brown and Mr. Akpu Arthur.
Inaugurating the committee, Dr. Akpe charged members to work with all stakeholders to restore lasting peace and unity in the oil-producing community.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Monday Edugo thanked Governor Diri for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their commitment to restoring peace, stability and development in Ogboinbiri.
He, however, appealed to the state government to consider lifting the existing dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the community as normalcy gradually returns.
