Insecurity: Bayelsa Governor Dethrones Swali Paramount Ruler, Orders Fresh Election
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has withdrawn official recognition from King Wilcox Seiyefa as the Ebeniken (paramount ruler) of Swali Community, citing findings linked to insecurity concerns in the area.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Yenagoa through the Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community at Government House.
According to the governor, the decision followed recommendations from a government-appointed fact-finding committee that reviewed events surrounding security challenges in the community.
King Seiyefa and members of the Swali Council of Chiefs had earlier been suspended by the state government on May 21, 2025, over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the community.
Diri said the withdrawal of recognition was carried out in accordance with Section Six of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which empowers government action in matters relating to peace, order and good governance.
He directed that the process for electing a new paramount ruler should begin immediately and be concluded within three months.
According to him, consultations were held with stakeholders in Swali Community and security agencies before the final decision was reached.
“The fact-finding committee engaged various stakeholders in Swali Community and received advice from security agencies on the way forward.
“From the recommendations and findings, it became evident that the leadership at the time failed to take firm decisions required to manage the situation and maintain order,” the governor stated.
Diri disclosed that the state government would facilitate the selection of a new Ebeniken through the establishment of an electoral committee, with the process commencing from June 30.
He added that members of the current caretaker structure would remain in office pending the emergence of a new leadership, except those intending to contest elective positions.
The governor also directed the dethroned monarch to return his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month for onward submission to the state government.
Diri commended the people of Epie and surrounding kingdoms, as well as security agencies, for supporting efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.
He further urged traditional rulers to familiarise themselves with provisions of the Chieftaincy Law to avoid sanctions.
To oversee the transition, the government constituted a five-member electoral committee headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Bertola Perekeme. Other members include Mr Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke and Mr Richard Perekeme, while Mrs Domo-Spiff Boma will serve as secretary.
In a separate development, the Bayelsa government also inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee for Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Mr Monday Edugo will chair the committee, with Dr Moses Areprekumor serving as secretary. Other members include Mr Francis Eseduo, Mr Allen Okorodo, Mr Peter Akpasi, Mr Christian Brown and Mr Akpu Arthur.
While inaugurating the committee, Diri called on residents of the oil-producing community to support the new leadership and work collectively toward lasting peace.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Edugo thanked the government for the appointment and appealed for the lifting of the existing dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on Ogboinbiri Community.
