By Mohamed Kamara
Dr. Cyril Kargbo, Associate Professor of Political Science and African History at the University of Tasmania in Hobart, Australia, has strongly responded to remarks made by the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, regarding the future of Biriwa Chiefdom in Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone.
The Minister, in a recent interview on Truth Radio, stated that he had submitted recommendations to President Julius Maada Bio concerning whether Biriwa Chiefdom should be divided. He reportedly linked the proposal to emerging demands by some Mandingo families residing in Karene Town within the chiefdom, warning that failure to address the issue could lead to violence.
However, Dr. Kargbo strongly disagreed with the proposal, arguing that ancestral authority and ethnic identity rooted in long-established customary laws cannot be altered abruptly. He emphasized that such traditions form part of the historical identity and legitimacy of the people.
He stated that before and after colonization, Biriwa Chiefdom was governed by four recognized ruling houses, which were acknowledged by colonial authorities prior to independence. According to him, these include the Pompoli of Bumban, the Kalawa of Bumban, the Kalawa of Kamabai—home of the current Paramount Chief, PC Salifu Manneh Kalawa III—and the Sheku Ruling House of Kamabai.
Dr. Kargbo noted that these ruling houses have historically been the legitimate contenders for the paramount chieftaincy until the controversial 2006 elections. He alleged that the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah supported the participation of the Sheriff family of Karene Town, despite questions over their eligibility as a ruling house.
He further referenced a Supreme Court ruling delivered on 14 November 2006, which declared the election of Dr. Issa M. Sheriff null and void under Sections 72(5) and 38 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone. The court ruled that only individuals belonging to recognized ruling houses are eligible to contest for and be elected as Paramount Chief.
Providing historical context, Dr. Kargbo said the first chief of Biriwa was Paramount Chief Sankallay, father of Paramount Chief Alimamy Suluku, born in 1820. He described Suluku as a powerful traditional ruler who resisted British colonial rule, supported Bai Bureh during the 1898 Hut Tax War, and opposed the European slave trade before his death in 1906.
Dr. Kargbo concluded by urging authorities to put the matter to rest, stressing that the Limba people, as the earliest known settlers of the area, should be allowed to exercise their traditional rights and maintain their chieftaincy heritage.
