Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has officially stripped His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa of his position as the paramount ruler of Swali Community. Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe announced this decision in Yenagoa, noting it stems from findings made by a government-appointed committee.
Chief Seiyefa and the local Council of Chiefs had been under suspension since May 21, 2025, due to concerns regarding community security. Under the authority granted by Section 6 of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, the governor decided to remove the monarch to ensure regional stability. A new election for the stool is mandated to occur within three months of June 30, 2026.
A five-member electoral committee, led by High Chief Bertola Perekeme, has been formed to manage the selection of a successor. Until a new leader is elected, the existing caretaker group will remain in place. The former chief is required to surrender his official recognition documents to the Yenagoa Local Government secretary within thirty days.
In a separate move, the government established a seven-member caretaker committee for the Ogboinbiri community in Southern Ijaw, headed by Mr. Monday Edugo. Dr. Moses Areprekumor will serve as the committee secretary. The administration has called for unity within the region to foster long-term peace. During the inauguration, Edugo accepted the responsibility and requested that Governor Diri consider removing the current dusk-to-dawn curfew affecting the area.
