Bayelsa Govt Takes Decisive Action On Swali, Ogboinbiri Comms Leadership Crisis

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the withdrawal of the recognition and Staff of Office of the suspended Paramount Ruler of Swali Community, His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa, over allegations linked to insecurity in the community.

Hotnews reports that the decision, announced by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, during a stakeholders’ meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, followed the recommendations of a fact-finding committee, which concluded that the community’s traditional leadership failed to effectively manage the security challenges in Swali.

Dr. Akpe explained that the action was taken in accordance with the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy Law to safeguard peace, order and good governance. He directed the dethroned monarch to return his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area within one month.

The Deputy Governor also announced that the process of electing a new Ebeniken of Swali would begin immediately and must be concluded within three months. To oversee the exercise, the state government constituted a five-member electoral committee headed by Hon. Bertola Perekeme.

In a related development, the Bayelsa State Government inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to administer the affairs of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Mr. Monday Edugo will serve as Chairman, while Dr. Moses Areprekumor is the Secretary.

Inaugurating the caretaker committee, Dr. Akpe urged residents of the oil-producing community to set aside their differences and cooperate with the committee in the interest of lasting peace, development of the community.

While responding on behalf of the caretaker committee, the chairman thanked the government for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work towards restoring peace and stability in Ogboinbiri.

He further appealed for the lifting of the existing dusk-to-dawn curfew in the community to enable residents go about their farming and business activities for families sustenance.

~ Hot News Reporters
Wednesday, 1, June, 2026