Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially removed Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, the paramount ruler of Swali Community, from his position as the Ebeniken. Deputy Governor Peter Akpe communicated this decision on behalf of the state leader during a session with community leaders held in Yenagoa this Tuesday.
This formal dismissal follows a thorough review by a government-appointed fact-finding committee. The state previously placed Seiyefa and his council on suspension in May 2025 following reports linking them to criminal activity and insecurity within their jurisdiction. Governor Diri cited Section Six of the Bayelsa Chieftaincy Law as the legal foundation for this move, emphasizing the state’s responsibility to preserve order.
Investigations revealed that the previous leadership failed to maintain stability or act decisively against violence, prompting the state to seek a new administration. Consequently, the Governor has ordered an immediate election process to replace the official, setting a three-month deadline for a successor to be named.
