Bayelsa Shocker: Governor Diri Ousts Traditional Ruler Amid Insecurity Crisis

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the removal of His Highness, Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, the paramount ruler of Swali community, from his Ebeniken chieftaincy throne. This significant decision stems from persistent insecurity within his domain, which had been plagued by cult-related killings and clashes in the preceding year.

Chief Seiyefa and his council were initially suspended by Governor Diri on May 21, 2025, following allegations concerning his son's purported involvement in local crises and the paramount ruler's alleged role in aiding and abetting insecurity. Swali community, being a vital location hosting key federal and state government offices in Yenagoa, made the security situation particularly critical, necessitating prompt governmental intervention.

The formal dethronement was announced by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a stakeholder meeting for Swali Community held at Government House, Yenagoa. Dr. Akpe clarified that the decision was based on the comprehensive recommendations of a fact-finding committee, which had engaged various stakeholders and received advice from security agencies on the best way forward. According to the committee's findings, the community's leadership was deemed weak and insufficiently firm in managing the prevalent insecurity.

The Deputy Governor highlighted that the withdrawal of recognition for the Ebeniken stool aligns with Section Six of Bayelsa State’s Chieftaincy Law, which mandates traditional rulers to uphold peace, order, and good governance. Consequently, Governor Diri has directed the immediate commencement of the process for electing a new paramount ruler for Swali, a crucial community, with the election to be completed within three months starting from June 30, 2026.

As part of the transition, the Governor has approved the withdrawal of the Staff of Office from Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa in the interest of peace. The dethroned paramount ruler has been directed to submit his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of the Yenagoa Local Government Area, who will then transmit them to the Governor, no later than one month from June 30, 2026. The existing caretaker committee members will continue their functions until a new leadership is established, with the exception of any member wishing to contest for elective office.

To facilitate a smooth election, a five-member electoral committee has been constituted. This committee is chaired by High Chief Bertola Perekeme, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, with Barr. Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke, and Barr. Richard Perekeme serving as members, and Mrs. Domo-Spiff Boma as Secretary. Dr. Akpe also took the opportunity to thank the people of Epie and other kingdoms, as well as security agencies, for their support in the government's peace and security efforts. He urged all traditional rulers to familiarize themselves with the Chieftaincy Law to avoid similar repercussions.

In a related development, the state government also established a seven-man caretaker committee to manage the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Mr. Monday Edugo leads this committee as chairman, with Dr. Moses Areprekumor as secretary. Other members include Barr. Francis Eseduo, Mr. Allen Okorodo, Mr. Peter Akpasi, Mr. Christian Brown, and Mr. Akpu Arthur. During the inauguration, the Deputy Governor appealed to the residents of the oil and gas-rich Ogboinbiri to set aside their differences and collaborate with the committee to achieve lasting peace.