Bayelsa Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has removed Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa as the paramount ruler of Swali Community.
Announcing the decision on Tuesday, Deputy Governor Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo said the removal was based on a committee report that indicted Seiyefa for allegedly aiding insecurity.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, recalled that the dethroned Ebeniken alongside his Council of Chiefs were suspended by the state government on the 21st of May, 2025 following allegations bordering on aiding and abetting insecurity in 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.
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 any member who may have interest to contest for any of the elective offices.
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 June, 2026.
Dr Akpe, who thanked the people of Epie and Atissa kingdoms as well as security agencies for supporting government’s peace and security efforts, called on all traditional rulers to keep themselves abreast with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law to avoid unpleasant consequences.
A five-member electoral committee has been constituted by the governor to midwife the process of electing a new Ebeniken of Swali.
