Bayelsa Gov, Diri dethrones traditional ruler over insecurity

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Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has dethroned the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness, Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, from his Ebeniken chieftaincy throne.

The governor announced the dethronment through his deputy, Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community in Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

Diri said the removal of the paramount ruler was based on recommendations from a fact-finding committee.

Recall that the dethroned Ebeniken and his Council of Chiefs were suspended by the state government on the 21st of May, 2025, after allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the Swali Community.

The governor stated that 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.

He 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.

“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.