Diri Dethrones Bayelsa Monarch, Sets Up Caretaker Committee Over Insecurity

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has approved the removal of the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, over issues linked to insecurity in the area.

The decision was announced on Tuesday by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Yenagoa.

Akpe explained that the action followed the recommendations of a government-appointed fact-finding committee established to investigate security concerns within the community.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Doubara Atasi, the traditional ruler and the Swali Council of Chiefs had been suspended on May 21, 2025, following allegations connected to insecurity.

The deputy governor said Governor Diri acted in accordance with Section 6 of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which empowers the state government to take necessary measures in the interest of peace, order and good governance.

He announced that the governor had directed the immediate commencement of the process to elect a new paramount ruler for Swali Community, with the exercise expected to be concluded within three months.

Akpe disclosed that the fact-finding committee consulted community stakeholders and security agencies before submitting its recommendations.

He also directed the dethroned monarch to surrender his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month, in line with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Law.

The deputy governor added that members of the existing caretaker committee would remain in office until a new traditional ruler is elected, except those intending to contest during the selection process.

To oversee the election, the state government constituted a five-member electoral committee chaired by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, High Chief Bertola Perekeme.

Meanwhile, the government also inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to manage the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Mr. Monday Edugo was appointed chairman, while Dr. Moses Areprekumor will serve as secretary.

Akpe urged residents of the oil-producing community to cooperate with the caretaker committee to restore lasting peace.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Edugo thanked the government for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work towards restoring stability while appealing for the lifting of the dusk-to-dawn curfew currently imposed on Ogboinbiri.