The High Court of Sierra Leone, presided over by Justice Alfred Tommy Ganda, has imposed a seven-day interim injunction regarding the election of Alfred Sovula Gbandoma as Paramount Chief of Bumpe Gao Chiefdom, Bo District.

The ruling was made in response to a petition filed by Sakpa Jibao Gbekpa, challenging the legitimacy of Gbandoma’s election under Section 13 of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009.

The case, brought against Gbandoma, the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), and the Provincial Secretary’s Office in Bo, revolves around questions about Gbandoma’s qualifications and whether he is from a ruling house.

The petitioner’s lawyer, BJ Reme, argued for an interim injunction to prevent Gbandoma from acting as the Paramount Chief-elect while the case is being heard.

The lawyer presented evidence, including nomination papers and petitions, asserting that the election process raised legal questions.

He emphasized the urgency of the injunction, pointing out that Gbandoma was preparing to hold an event despite being aware of the pending court action.

Justice Ganda granted the interim injunction, which will last for seven days, preventing Gbandoma from assuming the role of Paramount Chief.

The judge also ordered that the respondents be served with the court documents and set the next hearing for October 30, 2024.

This injunction temporarily halts the proceedings, with the legitimacy of the election still under legal scrutiny.