Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the removal of the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, from the Ebeniken chieftaincy stool. The decision follows recommendations from a fact-finding committee established to investigate allegations of insecurity and weak leadership in the community.
Deputy Governor Announces Removal at Stakeholders Meeting
The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe during a meeting with Swali Community stakeholders at the Government House in Yenagoa. Akpe stated that the withdrawal of the monarch’s recognition was carried out in accordance with the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, particularly provisions related to maintaining peace and order.
According to Akpe, the fact-finding committee engaged various stakeholders in Swali Community and also sought advice from security agencies before reaching its recommendations. He noted that the committee found that at the time of the actions causing violence and insecurity, the leadership was weak and not firm enough to take decisions to manage the situation.
Reason for Removal: Weak Leadership and Insecurity
The traditional ruler and his Council of Chiefs had been suspended in May 2025 over allegations concerning their handling of insecurity in the community. The deputy governor emphasized that the governor approved the withdrawal of the Staff of Office of Chief Seiyefa in the interest of peace.
“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,” Akpe said.
New Leadership Election Process Within Three Months
Akpe announced that the government would immediately begin the process of selecting a new paramount ruler for Swali Community. The election is expected to be completed within three months, starting from June 30, 2026.
“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,” he said.
Former Ruler Ordered to Return Certificate and Staff of Office
The government also directed the removed ruler to return his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the relevant authorities. This move is part of efforts to restore peace and good governance in the community.
In a related development, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently approved a cabinet reshuffle affecting all Special Advisers, Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, as well as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Principal Private Secretary. The reshuffle was announced by the governor’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola, who described it as a minor cabinet shake-up aimed at strengthening the administration.
