Government Names Nabieu Yayah Yillah Caretaker Chief of Samu Amid Leadership Dispute
Alex Fefegula Harding The government has appointed Nabieu Yayah Yillah as caretaker chief of Samu Chiefdom in Kambia District, placing him in charge of traditional administration while a Commission of Inquiry investigates the suspended paramount chief.
The appointment follows the suspension of Paramount Chief Alhaji Bai Shebora Yek II over allegations of misconduct and security-related concerns in the chiefdom.
According to Sarah Kallay Blog, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs formally inducted Yillah on Oct. 29, 2026, with Local Government Minister Ambassador Tamba Lamina presiding over the ceremony.
At the ceremony, Lamina called on the caretaker chief to prioritise reconciliation and restore cooperation among traditional authorities and residents amid tensions in the chiefdom.
The minister urged Yillah to consult established traditional leadership structures, including the Speaker, section chiefs, town chiefs and chiefdom committee, before making important administrative decisions.
He also highlighted Samu Chiefdom’s strategic position along Sierra Leone’s border, stressing the importance of cooperation between traditional authorities, district officials and security institutions.
Lamina further urged the caretaker chief to maintain a presence in the chiefdom and coordinate with the Council of Paramount Chiefs and the District Security Committee to address administrative and security concerns.
Permanent Secretary Prince Alex Soriba also emphasised the need for collaboration, encouraging Yillah to work with the District Officer and security agencies to maintain peace and stability.
In accepting the appointment, Yillah pledged to promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence and cooperation with traditional leaders and community members during his interim tenure.
The leadership change follows the Ministry’s Sept. 22, 2026, announcement suspending Paramount Chief Yek II under Sections 19 and 21(1) of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009. The ministry said the suspension had received presidential approval through a memorandum dated Sept. 17.
The allegations against the suspended paramount chief include disputes over land, the alleged imposition of sub-chiefs, disputes involving traditional authorities and disagreements surrounding the Kanta Ceremony.
The ministry said a Commission of Inquiry would investigate the allegations and allow the suspended chief to present his defence.
Yillah’s appointment is therefore intended to maintain administrative continuity in Samu Chiefdom while the inquiry proceeds. The allegations against the suspended paramount chief remain subject to investigation and have not been established as findings of guilt.