Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has formally removed King Wilcox Seiyefa as the Ebeniken (paramount ruler) of the Swali community, citing recommendations from a fact-finding committee and provisions of the state's Chieftaincy Law. The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Peter Akpe during a meeting with stakeholders of the Swali community at the Government House in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Background of the Dethronement
The dethroned Ebeniken and his Council of Chiefs were initially suspended by the Bayelsa government on 21 May 2025, following allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the Swali community. Governor Diri stated that the withdrawal of recognition was in line with Section 6 of the state's Chieftaincy Law, particularly regarding the maintenance of peace, order, and good governance.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the fact-finding committee engaged various stakeholders in the Swali community and sought advice from security agencies on the way forward. The governor explained: "Following the committee's findings, it is clear that at the time those actions (causing violence and insecurity) occurred, the leadership was weak and unable to make firm decisions to manage the situation."
Election of New Paramount Ruler
Governor Diri directed that the process of electing a new paramount ruler should commence immediately and be completed within three months. He stated: "The government will facilitate the election of a new paramount ruler by setting up an electoral committee, and the election must be conducted within three months, starting from 30 June." The governor clarified that all members of the existing caretaker committee would continue to function until a new leadership emerged, excluding any member with an interest in contesting the elective offices.
Citing relevant provisions of the Chieftaincy Law, the governor directed the dethroned paramount ruler to submit his certificate of recognition and staff of office to the Secretary of the Yenagoa Local Government Area. These must be transmitted to his office no later than one month from 30 June.
Electoral Committee and Community Response
A five-member electoral committee has been constituted to midwife the process of electing a new Ebeniken of Swali. The committee is headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Bertola Perekeme, and includes Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke, and Richard Perekeme as members, with Domo-Spiff Boma serving as secretary.
The governor thanked the people of the Epie kingdoms and security agencies for supporting the government's peace and security efforts. He urged all traditional rulers to keep abreast of the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Caretaker Committee for Ogboinbiri Community
In a related development, the state government has set up a seven-man caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the Ogboinbiri community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Monday Edugo is the chairman of the committee, with Moses Areprekumor as secretary. Francis Eseduo, Allen Okorodo, Peter Akpasi, Christian Brown, and Akpu Arthur serve as members.
Inaugurating the committee, Governor Diri urged the people of the oil- and gas-rich Ogboinbiri community to unite and work with the committee to achieve lasting peace. In his acceptance speech, the caretaker committee chairman, Mr Edugo, expressed gratitude to the state government for finding him and the other members worthy to carry out the assignment. He appealed to Mr Diri to lift the prevailing dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the community.
