The Bayelsa State Government has begun the process of installing new traditional leadership in Swali Community after Governor Douye Diri approved the removal of the suspended paramount ruler, His Highness Chief Wilcox Seiyefa. The decision was announced on Tuesday at the Government House in Yenagoa by the Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, following recommendations from a government-appointed fact-finding committee.
The action comes weeks after the monarch and members of his Council of Chiefs were suspended on May 21, 2025, over allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the community. According to the state government, the latest decision is part of efforts to restore confidence in the traditional institution and strengthen local leadership in addressing security concerns.
Governor Diri said the government’s position was informed by findings submitted by the investigative committee, which consulted community stakeholders and received input from security agencies. According to him, the review concluded that the community’s leadership did not respond decisively at a time when incidents linked to violence and insecurity required firm action.
The governor said the decision was taken in line with Section Six of the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law, which provides for measures aimed at preserving peace, maintaining public order and promoting good governance. Officials say the law empowers the government to act where traditional leadership is considered to have fallen short of its responsibilities.
As part of the next steps, the governor directed that the selection process for a new paramount ruler should begin without delay. He instructed that the exercise be concluded within three months, describing Swali as a significant community whose traditional leadership plays an important role in maintaining stability and cohesion.
The development underscores the government’s approach of linking community leadership with broader security and governance objectives. Authorities say the transition is expected to provide an opportunity for a fresh leadership structure capable of working with residents and security agencies to promote lasting peace and prevent a recurrence of the issues that prompted the intervention.
