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The Mayor of Koidu New Sembehun City, Komba Mathew Sam, has announced an immediate ban on all public activities involving artist Alhaji Amadu Bah (LAJ) within the city, citing what he described as “vulgar and public insult” directed at Kenema City Mayor, Thomas Baio.
In an official statement issued on March 25, 2026, from the Office of the Mayor under the Kono District Council, Mayor Sam said he “strongly condemn[s] the vulgar and public insult directed at Mayor Thomas Baio of Kenema City Council,” noting that the remarks have been widely circulated on social media and local media platforms.
The mayor described the language used by LAJ as “abusive, unnecessary, and a shameful display of disrespect towards the office of the Mayor and the individual holding that position.”
While affirming his support for freedom of expression, Mayor Sam emphasized that there is “a clear distinction between accountability and vulgar harassment,” adding that the artist’s conduct “crosses lines,” and appears intended “not to improve our democracy and entertainment but to degrade and humiliate.”
The statement further expressed solidarity with Mayor Baio, describing him as “a dedicated public servant and a leader who does not deserve to be targeted by such a vile antics.”
As a result, Mayor Sam ordered “a total ban on all public performances, exhibitions, or City-funded activities involving Alhaji Amadu Bah (LAJ) within Koidu New Sembehun City,” effective immediately.
According to the statement, the ban will remain in place until the artist “formally apologize[s] to Mayor Thomas Baio, provides public retraction of the vulgar comment made and or the issue is totally resolved.”
Mayor Sam concluded by reiterating his administration’s stance on community standards, stating that “in Koidu New Sembehun City, we respect talent, professionalism, and community decency,” and reaffirmed his solidarity with the Kenema mayor “against this unacceptable behavior.”
