Bayelsa Govt Dethrones Suspended Swali Monarch Over Alleged Insecurity

The Bayelsa State Government has withdrawn the recognition of the suspended Paramount Ruler of Swali Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, over allegations linking his leadership to insecurity in the area.

The decision was announced on Tuesday by the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of the community at the Government House in Yenagoa.

According to the deputy governor, Governor Douye Diri approved the monarch’s removal following the recommendations of a fact-finding committee set up to investigate the security crisis in Swali.

Seiyefa and the Swali Council of Chiefs were suspended in May 2025 over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the community.

Akpe explained that the withdrawal of the monarch’s staff of office was in line with the provisions of the Bayelsa Chieftaincy Law, which empowers the government to act in the interest of peace, order and good governance.

He said the investigative committee consulted community stakeholders and security agencies before recommending the monarch’s removal, noting that the community’s leadership failed to effectively manage the security challenges.

The state government has directed that the process for the selection of a new paramount ruler should commence immediately and be concluded within three months.

An electoral committee has been inaugurated to conduct the exercise, while the existing caretaker committee will continue to oversee the affairs of the community until a new traditional ruler emerges, except members seeking elective positions.

The dethroned monarch has also been directed to return his certificate of recognition and staff of office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government also inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to manage the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area as part of efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.