By: Tommy Sidikie, Reporter
The Paramount Chief of Khonimaka Chiefdom, PC Kandeh Kabba Sedu I, has been suspended by the Minister of Local Government, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, following serious allegations of abuse of office. The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place pending the outcome of a tribunal hearing, as stipulated in the 2009 Chieftaincy Act.
Allegations against PC Sedu first emerged in 2021, prompting the Ministry of Local Government to initiate investigations. In response, the National Council of Paramount Chiefs was dispatched to engage with the accused chief, while a team of administrative investigators gathered testimonies from key stakeholders, including local administration officials, religious leaders, and community residents.
The findings from these investigations were compiled into reports and submitted to President Julius Maada Bio, who has constitutional oversight of Paramount Chieftaincy matters in Sierra Leone. After reviewing the reports, the President directed the Ministry of Local Government to establish a statutory tribunal to examine the allegations and temporarily remove PC Sedu from his duties to facilitate an impartial inquiry.
During the formal suspension announcement, Ambassador Lamina detailed the investigative steps taken and noted ongoing governance issues in the chiefdom, as reported by the District Officer, the Office of National Security, and the District Security Council in Kambia. He emphasized the provisions of the 2009 Chieftaincy Act, which mandate such actions in cases of alleged gross misconduct by a Paramount Chief.
“In adherence to the directives of His Excellency, you are hereby suspended from your position as Paramount Chief of Khonimaka Chiefdom pending the tribunal’s decision,” Ambassador Lamina stated.
The suspension letter was delivered in the presence of senior ministry officials, including Deputy Minister Alfred Moi Jamiru and Permanent Secretary Thomas B. Lansana. The Minister urged PC Sedu to respect the tribunal process and await its verdict.
