Diri dethrones Bayelsa monarch, sets up caretaker committee for Ogboinbiri

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

YENAGOA — Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the removal of the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, from the Ebeniken chieftaincy stool.

The decision was announced by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community at Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

Akpe said the action followed the recommendations of a government-appointed fact-finding committee.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, recalled that the monarch and the Swali Council of Chiefs were suspended on May 21, 2025, following allegations relating to insecurity in the community.

Announcing the withdrawal of the monarch’s official recognition, the deputy governor said the action was taken in line with Section 6 of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which empowers the government to act in the interest of peace, order and good governance.

He said Governor Diri had directed that the process for the election of a new paramount ruler for Swali Community should commence immediately and be concluded within three months.

According to him, the fact-finding committee consulted stakeholders in the community and received input from security agencies before making its recommendations.

“The fact-finding committee engaged various stakeholders in Swali Community and also received advice from security agencies on the way forward.

“Following the committee’s recommendations and the provisions of the state’s Chieftaincy Law, the Governor has approved the withdrawal of the Staff of Office of His Highness, Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, in the interest of peace.

“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 from June 30, 2026,” Akpe said.

He explained that members of the existing caretaker committee would continue to serve until a new traditional leadership emerges, except those intending to contest for elective positions.

The deputy governor also directed the former paramount ruler to submit his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month, in accordance with the Chieftaincy Law.

Akpe thanked the people of Epie and Atissa kingdoms, as well as security agencies, for supporting the state’s peace and security initiatives. He also urged traditional rulers across the state to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law.

Meanwhile, the state government has constituted a five-member electoral committee to oversee the selection of a new Ebeniken of Swali.

The committee is chaired by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Bertola Perekeme. Other members are Barr. Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke and Barr. Richard Perekeme, while Mrs. Domo-Spiff Boma will serve as secretary.

In a related development, the Bayelsa State Government also inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Mr. Monday Edugo was named chairman of the committee, while Dr. Moses Areprekumor will serve as secretary. Other members are Barr. Francis Eseduo, Mr. Allen Okorodo, Mr. Peter Akpasi, Mr. Christian Brown and Mr. Akpu Arthur.

Inaugurating the committee, Akpe urged residents of the oil-producing community to set aside their differences and cooperate with the committee to restore lasting peace.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Edugo thanked the state government for the appointment and pledged to work towards restoring peace and stability in Ogboinbiri.

He, however, appealed to Governor Diri to lift the dusk-to-dawn curfew currently imposed on the community.