Following the recommendations of an investigative panel, the Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has approved the immediate deposition of Chief Wilcox Seiyefa as the paramount ruler of the Swali Community.
Chief Seiyefa, who was previously suspended, was removed from the Ebeniken throne for allegedly compromising security within his domain.
The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe during an official engagement with Swali community stakeholders on Tuesday at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Persecondnews recalls 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 6 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.
He said:“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.
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.
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