HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job Suspended as Swali Monarch
The Bayelsa State Government has announced the immediate suspension of His Royal Highness Wilcox Seiyefa Job, the Paramount Ruler of Swali Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, over failure to contain escalating crime and cult-related violence within his domain.
This decision was contained in a statement released on Wednesday, jointly signed by Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, and Commissioner for Local Government, Mr. Thompson Amule.
Governor Diri Approves Monarch’s Suspension
According to the statement, Governor Douye Diri approved the monarch’s suspension due to his inability to demonstrate the level of leadership expected in the fight against cultism and criminal activity.
“The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has approved the suspension of the Paramount Ruler of Swali Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job,” the release stated.
Royal Sons Allegedly Involved in Cult Activities
The situation worsened following credible intelligence linking two sons of the monarch to cult groups. Security authorities have since directed the police to declare them wanted.
“This is due to the traditional ruler’s inability to show leadership expected of his position… amidst credible intelligence that two of his sons are involved in cult activities in the community,” the government stated.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police has been directed to declare the royal sons and all cult members in Swali wanted for immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution.
Cult Clashes Intensify Across Bayelsa
The suspension comes amid a broader crackdown on cultism across the state. Governor Diri recently directed the management of Niger Delta University (NDU) to expel any students found to be involved in cult-related activity, following a series of violent clashes in Amassoma, home to the university.
In Swali, cult violence has escalated with reported deadly confrontations between rival groups, Greenlanders and Bobos over control of a government transport terminal. At least 15 people have been killed since January 2025.
Ex-Cultists Forum Urges NDDC to Maintain Peace
In a related development, the Forum of Repentant Cultists for Peace in Bayelsa (FRCPB) has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to focus on peace and development in the region.
The group warned that any actions undermining security efforts could lead to renewed chaos in Bayelsa’s already fragile communities.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Security
With the suspension of HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job and active manhunts underway, the Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and pledged continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies to restore peace and safety across the state.
