By: Ahmed Mohamed Kaikai
Residents of Gboyama Town in Wonde Chiefdom, Bo District, have vowed not to recognize any local governance until a legitimate town chief is elected. This declaration comes after a prolonged delay in the town’s chieftaincy election, which has remained unresolved for over three years.
On Friday, October 10, 2025, a government delegation, led by Samuka Kawa, Assistant District Officer of Bo District, and Foday Koroma, Speaker of Wonde Chiefdom, arrived in Gboyama with the intention to verify eligible voters and proceed with the election. However, the team halted the process, citing procedural irregularities.
Sources close to the delegation revealed that officials were concerned about the absence of multiple candidates and the incomplete tax assessment records. “They said only one candidate, Mr. Mohamed Yokie, was contesting, and they feared the election could be challenged later. They promised to return in one week to finalize verification and conduct the election,” an insider said.
A day before the expected vote, a public notice was circulated by Ishmael Karankay, a staunch indigene of Gboyama, relaying a message from the town’s Family Head, Mr. Alusine Daboh. The notice confirmed that the Paramount Chief had approved the election for Friday, October 10, starting with voter verification, followed by the election itself.
Mohamed Yokie, the sole candidate in the race, voiced his frustration over the repeated postponements. “This is the second time they’ve refused to proceed with the election, even though I am the only candidate. When my late brother, former Town Chief Momoh Conteh Yokie, was in the race, he contested unopposed and was elected the same day after verification. That precedent should have been followed,” Yokie said.
The situation has sparked growing tension in the town. Gboyama’s youth leader, Vandi Sama, announced that the town’s young people would boycott all local activities until a chief is elected. “It’s clear the people support Mr. Yokie. He’s been waiting for over two years to contest this election,” Sama added.
Gboyama, the administrative center of Wonde Chiefdom, has been without a legitimate town chief for over three years, creating a leadership vacuum in the community.
At a meeting on Saturday morning, another resident, Momoh Kondoh, also known as Momoh Gbegema, announced his intention to contest the town chief position. However, members of the Kondoh La family reportedly urged him to step down, stating they had unanimously agreed to support Mohamed Yokie.
Alhaji U.K. Daboh, a prominent figure in the town, also warned residents against allowing external influences to divide the community over chieftaincy politics.
Chieftaincy in Gboyama is traditionally contested among three ruling family lineages: Yokie La, Kondoh La, and Tejeh La. The absence of consensus and repeated delays have now led to rising unrest among residents.
Despite repeated efforts, members of the visiting delegation declined to comment on the matter when approached by this publication.