Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has suspended the Paramount Ruler of Swali Community, HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job, with immediate effect over alleged support for cultism
This decision was conveyed in a special government communiqué signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, along with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thompson Amule, on Wednesday.
Job is the first traditional ruler to face suspension in light of a recent increase in violent cult attacks that have led to considerable bloodshed in the state.
The announcement stated that Job had failed to demonstrate the necessary leadership in addressing crime and cultism within his community.
Moreover, credible intelligence has linked two of his sons to cult-related activities in the area.
In response, Governor Diri has instructed the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, to declare these two sons, as well as all others involved in cultism in Swali Community, wanted. Idu is also tasked with arresting those implicated for investigation and prosecution.
The communiqué read: “The Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency 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 action is due to the traditional ruler’s failure to exhibit the leadership expected of his position in the fight against crime and cultism, amid credible intelligence that two of his sons are involved in cult activities within 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 implicated are to be arrested for investigation and prosecution.”
Swali Community has become a hotspot for cult activities, particularly involving the Bobos group, with four individuals killed in cult-related violence earlier this month. Following these killings, Job had advocated for the establishment of a police station in the community.
