Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially removed the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, over security concerns in the area.
The decision was announced on Tuesday at the Government House in Yenagoa during a meeting with key stakeholders from Swali Community. The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, acting on behalf of Governor Diri.
The state government said the action followed the recommendations of a fact-finding committee set up to investigate the security situation in Swali.
Chief Seiyefa had earlier been suspended alongside members of his Council of Chiefs in May 2025 after allegations linking the community leadership to rising insecurity and unrest in the area.
According to the government, the latest decision to withdraw recognition from the traditional ruler was taken in line with the provisions of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, particularly as it relates to maintaining peace, order and good governance.
Addressing stakeholders, the Deputy Governor said the government carefully reviewed the findings of the investigative committee before arriving at its decision.
His words: “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.
“So, 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.
“The Government will facilitate the election of a new paramount ruler in Swali Community by setting up an electoral committee, and the election must be conducted within three months starting from 30th of June, 2026.”
Following the removal, the Bayelsa government directed that the process for selecting a new paramount ruler should begin immediately and be concluded within three months.
The government also 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 any elective position in the forthcoming process.
The dethroned monarch has also 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.
Akpe further 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.
Meanwhile, the state government has inaugurated a five-member electoral committee to oversee the process of selecting 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.
