Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has approved the removal of the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, following allegations linking the traditional leadership to insecurity in the community.
Government announces decision
The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 30, by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders at Government House in Yenagoa. According to the state government, the decision followed recommendations from a fact-finding committee established after the monarch and his Council of Chiefs were suspended in May 2025 over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in Swali.
Akpe said the governor approved the withdrawal of the monarch's recognition and Staff of Office in line with the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, citing the need to maintain peace, order and good governance.
Committee findings cited
"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. Following the recommendations and the provisions of the state Chieftaincy Law, His Excellency, the Governor, has approved the withdrawal of the Staff of Office of His Highness, Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, in the interest of peace," Akpe stated.
The deputy governor announced that the process of electing a new paramount ruler will begin immediately and must be concluded within three months, starting from June 30, 2026. He also directed the dethroned monarch to return his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of the Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month.
Caretaker committee to oversee transition
While the selection process is ongoing, members of the existing caretaker committee will continue to oversee the affairs of the community, except those intending to contest for elective traditional offices. To oversee the election of a new Ebeniken of Swali, the state government constituted a five-member electoral committee headed by High Chief Bertola Perekeme, the Governor's Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs.
In a separate development, the Bayelsa State Government also inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to manage the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The committee is chaired by Monday Edugo, with Dr. Moses Areprekumor serving as secretary.
Appeal for peace in Ogboinbiri
Inaugurating the committee, Deputy Governor Akpe urged residents to set aside their differences and cooperate with the new leadership to restore lasting peace in the oil-producing community. Responding on behalf of the committee, Edugo thanked the government for the appointment and pledged to work towards restoring peace and stability. He also appealed to Governor Diri to lift the existing dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on Ogboinbiri.
