Diri dethrones Bayelsa traditional ruler, chiefs over insecurity

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the removal of the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness, Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, from his Ebeniken chieftaincy throne.

Governor Diri, who made the announcement through his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community in Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday, said the removal of the paramount ruler was based on recommendations from a fact-finding committee.

It may be recalled that the dethroned Ebeniken, alongside his Council of Chiefs, was suspended by the state government on the 21st of May, 2025, following allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the Swali Community.

Announcing the withdrawal of recognition of the Ebeniken, the Deputy Governor said the action was in line with Section Six of the state’s Chieftaincy Law, especially in the area of maintaining peace, order and good governance in the state.

According to him, the Governor had directed that the process of electing a new paramount ruler, which he described as a major and important community, must commence immediately and be completed within three months.

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.”

The Deputy Governor, however, clarified that all members of the existing caretaker committee would continue to function until a new leadership emerges, except for any member who may wish to contest any of the elective offices.

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Citing relevant provisions of the Chieftaincy Law, he also directed the dethroned paramount ruler to submit the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office in his possession to the Secretary of the Yenagoa Local Government Area, who will in turn transmit them to the Governor, not later than one month from the 30th of June, 2026.

Dr Akpe, who thanked the people of Epie and the kingdoms, as well as security agencies, for supporting the government’s peace and security efforts, called on all traditional rulers to keep themselves abreast of the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Meanwhile, following the directive of Governor Douye Diri, a five-member electoral committee has been constituted to midwife the process of electing a new Ebeniken of Swali.

The committee, which is headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Bertola Perekeme, has Barr. Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke, Barr. Richard Perekeme as members, while Mrs Domo-Spiff Boma is to serve as Secretary.

In a related development, the state government on Tuesday also set up a seven-man caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Monday Edugo is the chairman of the committee, while Dr Moses Areprekumor is the secretary, with Barr. Francis Eseduo, Mr Allen Okorodo, Mr Peter Akpasi, Mr Christian Brown and Mr Akpu Arthur to serve as members.

Inaugurating the Committee, the Deputy Governor urged the people of the oil- and gas-rich Ogboinbiri to set aside their differences and work cooperatively with the committee to achieve lasting peace in the community.

In his acceptance speech, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr Monday Edugo, expressed gratitude to the state government for finding him and other members of the committee worthy to carry out the assignment.

While assuring the government of the committee’s commitment to restoring enduring peace and stability in Ogboinbiri, Mr Edugo pleaded with Governor Diri to lift the prevailing dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the community.