The Bayelsa State Government has withdrawn official recognition from the Paramount Ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity, formally ending his reign following the outcome of a government investigation into the security situation in the community.
Governor Douye Diri announced the decision on Tuesday through his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community at Government House, Yenagoa.
The government said the decision followed the recommendations of a fact-finding committee set up to investigate allegations of insecurity and violence in the riverine community. The committee reportedly consulted community stakeholders and security agencies before submitting its report.
Chief Seiyefa and members of the Swali Council of Chiefs were suspended by the state government on May 21, 2025, over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity and failing to address the worsening security situation in the community. Tuesday’s decision makes the suspension permanent by withdrawing the monarch’s official recognition.
Akpe said the action was taken in accordance with Section 6 of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which empowers the government to act in the interest of peace, public order and good governance.
According to him, the committee found that the traditional leadership failed to demonstrate the firmness required to tackle the security challenges confronting the community.
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 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 deputy governor announced that the process of selecting a new paramount ruler would commence immediately and must be concluded within three months, beginning from June 30, 2026.
He said a government-appointed electoral committee would supervise the exercise, describing Swali as a strategically important community whose traditional institution must remain credible and stable.
Akpe added that the caretaker committee currently administering the community would remain in office until a new monarch emerged, except for any member who chooses to contest any of the traditional leadership positions.
He 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 for onward transmission to the governor.
The deputy governor commended the people of Epie and Atissa kingdoms, as well as security agencies, for supporting the government’s efforts to restore peace. He also urged traditional rulers across Bayelsa State to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the state’s Chieftaincy Law to avoid similar sanctions.
As part of the transition process, the state government constituted a five-member electoral committee to conduct the selection 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 related development, the Bayelsa State Government inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Mr Monday Edugo was named chairman of the committee, while Dr Moses Areprekumor will serve as secretary.
Inaugurating the committee, Akpe urged residents of the oil and gas-producing community to put aside their differences and support the interim administration in restoring peace, stability and development.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Edugo expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for the confidence reposed in its members and pledged to work towards lasting peace in the community.
He also appealed to the governor to consider lifting the existing dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on Ogboinbiri, expressing confidence that improved security would soon render the restriction unnecessary.
The withdrawal of official recognition from the Swali monarch underscores the Bayelsa State Government’s continuing efforts to hold traditional institutions accountable in addressing security challenges.
The decision also comes against the backdrop of increasing national concern over allegations linking some traditional rulers to criminal activities, including cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes. Although such allegations require proof through due process, there have been growing calls for anyone found to have aided criminality, regardless of status or office, to be held accountable under the law.