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 chieftaincy throne.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community at Government House, Yenagoa.
He said the decision followed the recommendations of a government-appointed fact-finding committee that investigated security concerns in the community.
Chief Seiyefa and members of the Swali Council of Chiefs were suspended on May 21, 2025, over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the community.
Dr. Akpe explained that the withdrawal of the monarch’s recognition was carried out in accordance with Section Six of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which empowers the government to take action in the interest of peace, public order, and good governance.
He said the fact-finding committee consulted community stakeholders and security agencies before making its recommendations.
According to the Deputy Governor, the committee found that the traditional leadership failed to take decisive action at a critical period, contributing to the deterioration of security in the community.
“Based on the committee’s findings and the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law, Governor Douye Diri has approved the withdrawal of the Staff of Office of His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa in the interest of peace,” Akpe said.
He added that the governor had directed the immediate commencement of the process to elect a new paramount ruler, with the exercise expected to be completed within three months beginning June 30, 2026.
The state government will constitute an electoral committee to oversee the selection process.
While the transition is underway, members of the existing caretaker committee will continue to manage the affairs of the community, except those who intend to contest any of the elective positions.
Dr. Akpe also directed the dethroned monarch to surrender his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month from June 30, 2026, for onward transmission to the governor.
He commended the people of Epie Kingdom, other traditional institutions, and security agencies for supporting the government’s efforts to maintain peace and urged traditional rulers across the state to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law.
Electoral Committee Constituted
Following the governor’s directive, the state government constituted a five-member electoral committee to supervise the emergence of a new Ebeniken of Swali.
The committee is chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Bertola Perekeme. Other members are Barr. Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke and Barr. Richard Perekeme, while Mrs. Domo-Spiff Boma will serve as secretary.
Caretaker Committee for Ogboinbiri
In a separate development, the Bayelsa State Government also inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to oversee the administration of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Mr. Monday Edugo will serve as chairman, with Dr. Moses Areprekumor as secretary. Other members include Barr. Francis Eseduo, Mr. Allen Okorodo, Mr. Peter Akpasi, Mr. Christian Brown and Mr. Akpu Arthur.
Inaugurating the committee, Dr. Akpe called on residents of the oil-producing community to put aside their differences and support the committee in restoring lasting peace and stability.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Monday Edugo thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work toward restoring peace in the community. He also appealed to Governor Diri to lift the dusk-to-dawn curfew currently in force in Ogboinbiri.
