Government Installs Caretaker Chief in Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom, Months after Death of Paramount Chief

The Ministry of Local Government has installed a Regent Chief in Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom who will serve as a caretaker until elections that will usher in the next Paramount Chief are held.

Kholifa Rowalla is in Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone.

The regent Chief, Issa B. Turay was appointed Kholifa Rowalla’s caretaker on February 19th, 2025, and was installed last Thursday. The installation ceremony was attended by the Provincial Secretary and Resident Minister of the Northern region, Council of Paramount Chiefs, District Officer of Tonkolili District and other dignitaries.

“I refer to the above subject and to inform you that you have been appointed as Regent Chief of Kholifa Rowalla, Tonkolili District, in the Northern region of Sierra Leone. Your appointment is with immediate effect,” Turay’s appointment letter from the Ministry of Local Government reads.

Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom has been without a chief since the sudden demise of Paramount Chief Alhaji Masakama Kanamanka III in November 2024. The late PC Kanamanka was the Paramount Chief Member of Parliament for Tonkolili District at the time of his death.

According to Hon Minister of Local Government, Amb. Tamba Lamina, the duties and responsibilities of the new Regent Chief are to oversee the general administration of the Chiefdom according to the Chieftaincy Act of 2009 and as directed by the Minister.

A Regent Chief is an interim leader who temporarily assumes the role of a traditional leader in the absence or incapacity of the Paramount Chief.

He/she acts temporarily when the latter is unable to perform their duties due to death, illness, or incapacity.

The Regent Chief has limited powers and is expected to maintain order, ensure the smooth functioning of the chiefdom, and handle matters until the rightful heir takes over. The Regent Chief often works closely with the council of elders and other local leaders to make decisions on behalf of the chiefdom.

The tenure of a Regent Chief is not permanent. It is meant to last until a new Paramount Chief is chosen or can assume leadership.

While residents have been sending congratulatory messages to the caretaker Chief, there are calls for the government to ensure elections are held shortly.