Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially dethroned the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, removing him from the Ebeniken chieftaincy stool over allegations linked to insecurity in the community.
The governor announced the decision through his deputy, Peter Akpe, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
According to Governor Diri, the dethronment followed the recommendations of a government-appointed fact-finding committee, which investigated the security situation in Swali Community.
Chief Seiyefa and the Swali Council of Chiefs were suspended by the state government on May 21, 2025, over allegations of aiding and abetting criminal activities and insecurity within the community.
Diri stated that the removal was carried out in accordance with Section 6 of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which empowers the government to act in the interest of peace, public order, and good governance.
He also directed that the process of selecting a new paramount ruler for the community should begin immediately and be concluded within three months.
“The fact-finding committee consulted widely with stakeholders in Swali Community and received advice from security agencies on the way forward,” the governor said.
“Based on the committee’s findings, it became evident that the community’s leadership at the time was weak and failed to take the necessary decisions to prevent and manage the violence and insecurity.”
The state government says the move is part of broader efforts to restore peace and strengthen traditional leadership in Swali Community.
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