State Government Sacks Traditional Ruler
The Bayelsa State Government has removed the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, from the Ebeniken traditional stool following findings linked to insecurity in the community.
The decision was announced on Tuesday at the Government House in Yenagoa by Deputy Governor Peter Akpe on behalf of Governor Douye Diri.
He said the action followed the report of a fact-finding committee that investigated the security situation in Swali Community.
Chief Seiyefa and members of his Council of Chiefs were suspended by the state government on May 21, 2025, after they were accused of supporting activities that contributed to insecurity in the area.
According to the deputy governor, the government acted in line with the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which gives it the power to take steps aimed at preserving peace, order and good governance.
He explained that the committee met with community leaders and other stakeholders and also received advice from security agencies before submitting its report.
After reviewing the findings, the government concluded that the community leadership failed to properly handle the security challenges that arose at the time.
As part of the decision, Governor Diri directed that the process of selecting a new paramount ruler should begin immediately.
He instructed that an electoral committee be set up and that the election for a new Ebeniken of Swali must be completed within three months, beginning from June 30, 2026.
The deputy governor also stated that the current caretaker committee would continue to oversee the affairs of the community until a new traditional ruler is chosen.
However, any member who plans to contest for a position during the election must step down from the committee.
He further directed the removed traditional ruler to hand over his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month from June 30, 2026.
The documents will later be forwarded to the governor.
Akpe thanked the people of Epie Kingdom, other traditional institutions and security agencies for supporting the government’s efforts to restore peace.
He also urged traditional rulers across the state to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law to avoid similar actions in the future.
Following the governor’s directive, the state government announced a five-member electoral committee that will conduct the process of choosing a new Ebeniken of Swali.
The committee is headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Bertola Perekeme.
Other members are Barrister Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke and Barrister Richard Perekeme, while Mrs Domo-Spiff Boma will serve as secretary.
