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Sierra Leone is mourning the death of Dr Bu-Buakei Jabbi, a respected lawyer, politician, and a public servant, who passed away in the early hours of 21th December 2025 at the age of 80.
Dr Jabbi was a lifelong member of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and a proud member of the Mandingo ethnic community. He was widely known for his strong commitment to justice, good governance, and national unity, and is remembered as a principled statesman who contributed meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s democratic development.
He was born on 7th May 1945 in Kailahun District, Eastern Province, Dr Jabbi grew up in a rural community where he developed values of discipline, service, and responsibility. He later pursued higher education, earning a PhD in English and a degree in Law, a rare combination that shaped his career in teaching, legal practice, and public service.
He began his professional career as a university lecturer before becoming a constitutional lawyer. Within the SLPP, Dr Jabbi served as a trusted legal adviser during key political periods, including the time of late President Joseph Saidu Momoh. He was admired for his deep legal knowledge, careful preparation, and calm courtroom style.
During and after the civil war, Dr Jabbi contributed to peace and reconciliation efforts. In 1999, he wrote an influential paper on peace-building, and in 2006, he appeared before the Special Court for Sierra Leone, including serving as defence counsel for Chief Hinga Norman during the Civil Defence Forces trial.
Dr Jabbi also played an active role in party politics. He contested the SLPP flagbearer position in 2010 and later challenged internal party processes in court. His successful Supreme Court action helped strengthen constitutional compliance within the party.
In the 2012 general elections, Dr Jabbi was elected Member of Parliament for Constituency 8 in Kailahun District with 86.10 per cent of the vote. He began his parliamentary duties on 7 December 2012, where he focused on the rule of law and effective representation.
A long-time resident of Freetown, Dr Jabbi lived a modest life and was known for mentoring young professionals. At his 80th birthday celebration in May 2025, he was described as a father figure and a wise counsellor.
Dr Bu-Buakei Jabbi’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s legal system, politics, and national development will be remembered for generations.
