Opposition politician and social commentator, Dr. Sylvia Blyden, has publicly criticized President Julius Maada Bio for his decision to attend the commissioning of a new nightclub rather than a family church event hosted by First Lady Fatima Bio on the same day.

Blyden alleges that the President’s action is a deliberate attempt to endorse Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, whom she controversially referred to as the President’s “houseboy.”

In a frant Facebook post, Blyden wrote, “When Papa is DESPERATE for Houseboy to become Master of our 🇸🇱🏠Home, he SNUBS Mama’s family Church event & takes houseboy to pappyshow marketing at a Nightclub🤣.”

The controversy stems from competing events on June 27 that saw the President and First Lady attending separate high-profile functions. While Mrs. Bio hosted the Strengthening Family Conference with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – where she received recognition for her women’s empowerment work – President Bio inaugurated the Chapter One Multipurpose Center, an entertainment complex in Lumley.

Blyden, a close associate of the First Lady, says that the President’s actions were intended to promote Sengeh, his successor, rather to support his wife’s initiatives.

Political observers note the incident appears to highlight the ongoing power struggle between two SLPP factions: One faction is believed to be led by Chief Minister Sengeh’s “Radical Inclusion Movement” (RIM), with Sengeh widely considered a potential successor to President Bio in the 2028 presidential race. The other faction, known as the “Ebema faction,” is reportedly led by First Lady Fatima Bio, who is believed to be strongly opposed to Sengeh’s presidential ambitions.

Blyden stated her belief that the President is actively supporting Dr. Sengeh over his wife. She further commented on the President’s alleged political maneuvering: “The President knew exactly what he was doing by Transference Psychology… Julius Maada Bio’s political ending is going to be intriguing to watch.”

She also claimed, “The President is working overtime to send subliminal messages to support RIM. Ee nor hide am sef. President Bio is the biggest sponsor of all of what the RIM does against citizens of Sierra Leone.”

The public exchange highlights growing internal tensions within the SLPP as the country approaches future elections. Neither State House nor the First Lady’s office has officially commented on the Blyden’s allegations. However, social media reactions have followed the development.

Safea Korpoh wrote: “When the houseboy is humble to his master then the master can entrust to home in his hand”

Joy Joy said: “Apc this is your huge chance to take power .. the country hard .. settle your differences and run after dem out of power . Just impossible for slpp for rule Salone for 15 years when it is extreme hardship. N also sengeh way nor get base for rule Salone . This is just solo B season 2″