Bayelsa State Government Revokes Recognition of Swari Community Monarch
In a significant move following a government investigation into local security issues, the Bayelsa State Government has revoked the official recognition of His Highness Chief Wilcox Job Seiyefa as the Supreme Ruler of the Swari Community. This action stems from suspicions of his involvement in facilitating insecurity within the region.
Governor Douye Diri announced this decision through Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe during a meeting with Swari community leaders at the Government House in Yenagoa. The revocation is aligned with the recommendations from a fact-finding committee established to address rising concerns of violence and insecurity in the area.
The committee, which engaged with various stakeholders and security agencies, concluded that Chief Seiyefa and the Swari Council of Chiefs had failed to adequately respond to the deteriorating security climate. Their suspension by the government on May 21, 2025, for similar failures was made permanent with the latest decision.
Deputy Governor Akpe emphasized that the government’s actions were taken in accordance with Section 6 of the Bayelsa State Chief Justice Act, allowing intervention for the sake of peace, security, and effective governance. He articulated the commission’s findings, which revealed a lack of decisive leadership in the traditional structure to tackle ongoing security challenges.
The Deputy Governor stated that the fact-finding commission had collaborated closely with community stakeholders and received guidance from security agencies on the appropriate steps forward. He noted that the recommendations underscored a pattern of weak leadership that hindered proactive measures to manage local issues effectively.
As part of the transition, the process to select a new Supreme Ruler will commence immediately, with completion expected within three months from June 30, 2026. A government-appointed electoral commission will oversee this critical process, underscoring the importance of maintaining credibility within Swari’s traditional institutions.
The management committee currently overseeing the community will remain in place until a new monarch is installed, with the exception of individuals contesting traditional leadership roles. Additionally, the deposed Chief Seiyefa has been directed to return administrative certificates and official staff to the Yenagoa Local Government Commissioner within a month for further transmission to the governor.
In connection to ongoing reforms, the Bayelsa State Government has established a seven-member Management Committee for Ogboyinbiri Community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Appointed chairperson Mr. Monday Edgo and secretary Dr. Moses Alepurekmol are tasked with steering the community towards stability and development. Edgo expressed gratitude for the governor’s trust and pledged to foster lasting peace.
The withdrawal of recognition from the Swari monarch highlights the Bayelsa State government’s commitment to ensuring accountability among traditional institutions in tackling security challenges. This decision also reflects rising public concern regarding allegations of criminal involvement by certain traditional rulers, with increasing pressure for accountability under the law regardless of status.
