Foday Bai Kalokoh, a father of four from Magbandoma village, has reportedly left his ancestral home and gone into hiding to escape taking on a leadership role in the secretive Poro Society, a deeply ingrained part of Sierra Leonean culture.
In an exclusive interview, Pa Raka, the head of the local Poro Society, shared that Kalokoh was expected to follow in the footsteps of his late father, Pa Yamba II, who passed away in 1999. “Foday’s grandfather, Pa Yamba, handed down the leadership to his son, who was a prominent figure in the Poro Society for over two decades. Before he died, Pa Yamba II named Foday as his successor in the Gbanika—the sacred Poro bush,” Pa Raka explained.
He went on to say that traditional rites were performed when Foday was just 12, marking the start of his spiritual preparation. “This is a sacred family legacy. The Kalokoh name is woven into our traditions. The elders who witnessed Foday’s initiation are dedicated to ensuring it comes to pass,” he added.
However, Pa Raka noted that Foday has been avoiding several attempts to complete his initiation, coming up with various excuses. “In July 2023, we organized a significant initiation ceremony with elders from all over the country, investing considerable resources, only for Foday to not show up. He promised to participate but never followed through. We will find him—no matter where he hides.”
In a separate interview, Haja Kalokoh, Foday’s wife, told this medium that her husband refuses to accept the Poro Society leadership due to his religious beliefs. “His faith doesn’t allow him to engage in what he sees as outdated and barbaric traditions.”
Madam Haja recounted how she and her family have faced threats and intimidation from members of the traditional Poro Society because Foday has turned down the inheritance from his late father. She added that their house was burned down, and their farm along with their livestock was destroyed.
She also voiced her worries about her husband’s safety, stating, “Even after moving to a different city, it’s tough to stay under the radar. Poro members are everywhere.”
In response to the situation, civil rights activist Mohamed Kamara spoke out against the threats and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by members of the Poro Society. He pointed out that traditional institutions have often been exploited by political figures to further their own agendas.
“Politicians—both past and present—have leveraged societies like Poro to broaden their influence and stifle opposition. This includes former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who is said to have funded mass initiations during his administration to ensure political loyalty,” Kamara asserted.
Kamara urged family members and traditional leaders to honor individual freedoms and embrace a human rights-centered approach. “Foday’s situation is not an isolated incident. It’s time we put the dignity and rights of every citizen at the forefront,” he concluded.
