Governor Dethrones Top Traditional Ruler Over Insecurity

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dethroned the suspended paramount ruler of Swali Community, His Highness, Chief Wilcox Seiyefa, from his Ebeniken chieftaincy throne.

NEWSNGR recalls that Ebeniken and his Council of Chiefs were suspended by the state government on May, 21, 2025, after allegations of aiding and abetting insecurity in the Swali Community.

The governor stated that the action was in line with Section Six of the state’s Chieftaincy Law, especially in the area of maintaining peace, order and good governance in the state.

However, Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Akpe, announced Ebeniken’s dethronement during a meeting with stakeholders of the Swali Community in Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

Diri said the removal of the paramount ruler was based on recommendations from a fact-finding committee.

He also directed that the process of electing a new paramount ruler, which he described as a major and important community, must commence immediately and be completed within three months.

He said, “The fact-finding committee engaged various stakeholders in the 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.”