Gov. Diri suspends Swali community Traditional ruler over cult clashes
– Directs Police to declare two royal sons wanted
By Idun Maximus
The Bayelsa State government has suspended the traditional ruler of Swali community, HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job, with immediate effect over cult-related activities.
Job was accused of not being able to combat cultism in his domain because of the involvement of two of his children, who are on the run.
Swali community, a suburb of Yenagoa, has been a hotbed of cult clashes in recent weeks, claiming no fewer than eight lives, including three people killed on Easter Sunday.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, and her counterpart in the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thomspon Amule directed the Bayelsa State Police Command to arrest and prosecute all those indicted in cult-related activities.
“The governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the suspension of the Paramount Ruler of Swali Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job. The suspension takes immediate effect.
“This is due to the traditional ruler’s inability to show leadership expected of his position in the fight against crime and cultism, amidst credible intelligence that two of his sons are involved in cult activities in the community.
“The Commissioner of Police has been directed to declare the two royal sons and all those involved in cultism in Swali wanted. All those involved are to be arrested for investigation and prosecution.”
