Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has removed the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness, Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, from the Ebeniken chieftaincy throne.
The governor announced the decision through his deputy, Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community at Government House in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Diri said the removal followed the recommendations of a fact-finding committee.
The Ebeniken and his Council of Chiefs were suspended by the state government on May 21, 2025, over allegations that they aided and supported insecurity in Swali Community.
The governor said the decision was taken in line with Section Six of the state’s Chieftaincy Law, especially on the need to maintain peace, order and good governance.
He also directed that the process to elect a new paramount ruler for what he described as a major and important community should begin at once and be completed within three months.
“The fact-finding committee engaged various stakeholders in Swali Community, and also got advice from security agencies on the way forward.
“From the recommendations of the committee, following their findings, it is clear that, as at the time those actions (causing violence and insecurity) were taken, the leadership was weak and not firm to take decisions to manage the situation,” he said.
