Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially deposed the paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa. The decision, announced by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe in Yenagoa, follows findings from a fact-finding committee that highlighted leadership failures and involvement in local insecurity.
The state government previously suspended Chief Seiyefa and his Council of Chiefs in May 2025 due to allegations of encouraging violence. Invoking Section Six of the state’s Chieftaincy Law to ensure regional stability, Governor Diri has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the ruler’s Staff of Office. An electoral committee, led by Special Adviser High Chief Bertola Perekeme, has been established to conduct an election for a new leader within three months.
In a separate action, the administration inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee for the Ogboinbiri community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Led by Monday Edugo, this committee is tasked with fostering peace and stability. During the inauguration, Edugo requested that the governor consider lifting the existing dusk-to-dawn curfew currently in effect for the region.
