Tensions are mounting in Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District, following the dismissal of Chiefdom Speaker Augustine Jah Zoker by Paramount Chief Mustapha Jenge Massaquoi III on February 28, 2025.

The decision has sparked unrest among local residents and stakeholders, with concerns growing over the implications for governance and stability within the chiefdom.

In announcing the dismissal, Chief Massaquoi accused Speaker Zoker of a “lack of commitment” and claimed his actions had “seriously disrupted” the chiefdom’s administration. He also alleged that Zoker had incited the youth against his leadership and spread damaging information about the chiefdom’s operations.

Zoker, however, rejected these accusations. He called the dismissal politically motivated and said, “I wasn’t appointed by mistake,” stressing that the speaker should come from a section different than the paramount chief’s, as is tradition. Zoker further claimed his removal was connected to his opposition to Massaquoi’s decisions, including a case involving a missing person from the previous year where he and others were wrongfully implicated.

Related News

Zoker also expressed concerns about a land dispute committee set up to resolve a conflict between two sections of the chiefdom. He criticized the appointment of the committee chair, who he said had ties to one of the parties involved, calling it a conflict of interest.

Despite the situation, Zoker has urged his community to remain calm and peaceful. “I remain committed to ensuring proper representation,” he said, asking his supporters to maintain peace in the face of the challenges he and his family are facing.

The dismissal has caused concern among local leaders. Abdul Rahman Zoker, the section chief of Zoker 1, expressed his surprise, stating the decision should have involved consultation with section chiefs. “We have never heard about the sacking of a chiefdom speaker in this chiefdom. This is unprecedented,” he said.

Yankuba Jobai, the District Officer for Pujehun, also expressed concern, stating he was unaware of the dismissal and suggested it may have violated the Chieftaincy Act of 2009, specifically section 25 (2), which outlines the process for removing a chiefdom speaker. Jobai has called on Paramount Chief Massaquoi to reconsider his decision and reinstate Zoker until the proper legal procedures are followed.

As the community waits for further action, the focus remains on how the situation will be resolved and whether the proper procedures will be followed in the coming days.