The Paramount Chief of Khonimaka Chiefdom, PC Kandeh Kabba Sedu I, has been suspended by the Minister of Local Government, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, following allegations of abuse of office.

The suspension, effective immediately, was announced pending the outcome of a tribunal hearing as outlined in the 2009 Chieftaincy Act.

Allegations against PC Sedu first surfaced in 2021, prompting the Ministry of Local Government to initiate investigations.

In response, the National Council of Paramount Chiefs was dispatched to the chiefdom to engage with the accused chief, while a team of administrative investigators gathered testimonies from key stakeholders, including local administration officials, religious leaders, and residents.

The findings from these investigations were compiled into reports and forwarded to President Julius Maada Bio, who holds constitutional oversight of Paramount Chieftaincy matters in Sierra Leone.

After reviewing the reports, the President instructed the Ministry of Local Government to convene a statutory tribunal to examine the allegations and to temporarily remove PC Sedu from his duties to allow for an impartial inquiry.

During the formal suspension announcement, Ambassador Lamina detailed the investigative steps taken, noting continued reports from the District Officer, the Office of National Security, and the District Security Council in Kambia that suggested ongoing governance issues in the chiefdom.

He emphasized the provisions of the 2009 Chieftaincy Act, which mandate such actions in cases of alleged gross misconduct by a Paramount Chief.

“In adherence to the directives of His Excellency, you are hereby suspended from your position as Paramount Chief of Khonimaka Chiefdom pending the tribunal’s decision,” Ambassador Lamina stated.

The suspension letter was delivered in the presence of senior ministry officials, including Deputy Minister Alfred Moi Jamiru and Permanent Secretary Thomas B. Lansana. Ambassador Lamina urged PC Sedu to respect the tribunal process and await its verdict.