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The 2025 Miss Salone beauty pageant is facing controversy after leaders in Pujehun District openly rejected the selection of a contestant they say was not chosen through their district’s official pageant.
In a letter dated March 31, 2025, key figures from Pujehun District including Paramount Chief Andrew Brima Kaikai, District Mamie Queen Madam Mamawa Kaikai, Chief Whip Hon. Dickson Rogers, Hon. Sidie Tunis, Youth Chairman Mohamed Kallon, and others said they fully support Victory Lamcess Mansaray, who won the official Miss Pujehun contest.
They say the district followed the right process to hold a local pageant, and Victory Lamcess Mansaray was the clear winner, backed by traditional leaders, elected officials, and community groups.
The issue started when the Miss Salone 2025 Board reportedly turned down Victory’s entry and instead picked Mariyam Konneh, who did not take part in the district’s pageant. The board said Victory should represent her paternal home of Koinadugu, even though her maternal family is from Pujehun.
But local leaders say Sierra Leone’s law allows contestants to represent a district based on either their mother’s or father’s background. They say trying to move Victory to another district is unfair and wrong.
There was more concern when the Miss Salone organizers allegedly said Victory could not speak English well. To respond, a meeting was held with the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis. During that meeting, the Minister asked Victory to explain what happened in English. She did, and those present said the Minister was surprised and pleased by how she spoke.
Victory’s team and the Miss Pujehun organizers also met with the Director of the Ministry, who said they would meet with the Miss Salone Board that same day, April 7, 2025. But since then, they say they have not heard back.
Victory’s managers and pageant organizers say they are disappointed by the way the matter was handled. They believe ignoring their selected winner disrespects the time, effort, and values of the district. They also say it could stop people from wanting to take part in the future.
Pujehun District has made it clear that they do not accept Mariyam Konneh as their representative. They say Victory Lamcess Mansaray is the rightful Miss Pujehun and should be allowed to continue in the national competition.
The issue is still ongoing, and the district is asking the Miss Salone Board to follow the rules and respect the outcome of their official district pageant.
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