The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has dethroned Paramount Ruler of Swali Community, His Highness, Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, from his Ebeniken chieftaincy throne over insecurity.
Penpushing reports that Diri approved the removal of the suspended monarch during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community in Government House, Yenagoa, and equally directed that the process of electing a new paramount ruler.
The Governor in the announcement through his deputy Dr Peter Akpe on Tuesday explained that the removal of the paramount ruler was based on recommendations from a fact-finding committee.
Penpushing further reports that Akpe announcing the withdrawal of recognition of the Ebeniken, 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.
The Deputy Governor added that, the Governor had directed that the process of electing a new monarch, must commence immediately and be completed within three months, describing the community as major and important.
“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’, he said.
“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’,Akpe added.
“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.”
Penpushing also reports that he, 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.
The Deputy Governor citing relevant provisions of the Chieftaincy Law, equally 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.
Penpushing reports that Akpe, thanked the people of Epie and the kingdoms, as well as security agencies, for supporting the government’s peace and security efforts, and called on all traditional rulers to keep themselves abreast of the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law to avoid unpleasant consequences.
The five-member electoral committee headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Bertola Perekeme has been constituted to midwife the process of electing a new Ebeniken of Swali following the directive of the Governor
Penpushing further reports that other members include Barrister Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke, Barrister Richard Perekeme as members, while Mrs Domo-Spiff Boma is to serve as Secretary.
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