Freetown, 26 August 2026 – The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has declared null and void the purported removal of Mr. Sahr Abdulai Komassi as Chiefdom Speaker of Nimikoro Chiefdom in Kono District, Eastern Province.
In a public notice issued on 25 August 2026, the Ministry stated that the removal was unauthorised, unprocedural and illegal. It informed all government ministries, local authorities, the Tribal Administration and the general public that Mr. Komassi remains the only legitimate and lawful Chiefdom Speaker, retaining all duties, authority and privileges of the office.
The Ministry ruled that the action violates established customary laws, traditional governance structures and relevant sections of the Chieftaincy Act, 2009, as well as Local Government regulations governing the tenure and removal of chiefdom functionaries.
Authorities and the public have been strictly warned not to recognise, deal with or transact official chiefdom business with any self-imposed or unverified replacement. Any attempt by unauthorised persons to take over official chiefdom books, seals or symbols of office will be treated as an unlawful intrusion and dealt with decisively.
The Ministry also called on community members and youth groups to remain calm, maintain public peace and channel any grievances through lawful administrative processes.
In a section titled “Charting the way forward,” the Ministry reaffirmed its decision to nullify the illegal action taken by the Paramount Chief. It noted that several attempts had been made to address concerns raised by critical chiefdom stakeholders and the public regarding the governance of the chiefdom, but the Paramount Chief remained uncooperative and indifferent. The Ministry said it remains committed to investigating the various concerns raised about the administration of Nimikoro Chiefdom.
The notice was signed by Prince Alex Soriba and bears the official stamp of the Senior Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
Residents of Nimikoro and other chiefdoms are advised to take note of the Ministry’s position and to continue supporting lawful traditional and local government structures.
