Post a comment 
Paul Amadu Sengeh’s historic attempt to return the Sengeh ruling house to the Paramount Chieftaincy of Malen Chiefdom has ended in disappointment after he failed to secure victory in the closely watched election, reportedly polling 72 votes, representing 9.72 percent of the total votes cast.
The provisional result means the Sengeh family, which had not contested for the Paramount Chieftaincy throne since 1905, has once again been denied the opportunity to produce a Paramount Chief despite successfully re-entering the race after 121 years.
Following the counting of the results, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh paid tribute to Paul Amadu Sengeh’s determination and integrity throughout the electoral process, describing the candidacy as a significant achievement for the family.
“So when you told us that you wanted to be a Chief, we supported that ambition fully. We knew it was an uphill task because our family had not showed up for the throne since 1905. It took us 121 years to lay claim to the throne in Malen. And that, you proudly and successfully did,” Dr. Sengeh wrote.
Although Paul Amadu Sengeh did not succeed in laying hands on the Paramount Chief’s staff, the traditional symbol of authority and leadership in the chiefdom, Dr. Sengeh revealed that his elder brother’s effort had restored the family’s presence in Malen’s traditional leadership contest.
“You fell short of laying hands on the staff, but you are Chief. And in all that process, you have worked hard and with integrity,” he stated.
The Chief Minister further commended Paul Amadu Sengeh for conducting his campaign within the confines of the law and maintaining respect for the democratic process.
“You haven’t asked me as Chief Minister to do anything outside of the law. And for me, I showed up with you as Moinina David Sengeh, your Moinus, your younger brother,” he said.
Dr. Sengeh also highlighted the candidate’s royal lineage and reaffirmed his personal admiration for him.
“You are from a ruling home. You are my chief. And I love you dearly,” he added.
Despite the defeat, Dr. Sengeh extended congratulations and best wishes to the successful candidate who will become Malen’s next Paramount Chief.
“Good luck to our next Paramount Chief in Malen. Long live Malen. Long live Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
