By Mohamed Kamara
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The future of Biriwa Limba Chiefdom now rests in the hands of President Julius Maada Bio, following growing debate over government’s proposal for additional chiefdoms across the country.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s weekly press briefing, the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba John Lamin Yambasu, defended earlier comments he made in Makeni about the possibility of creating a new administrative structure in Biriwa.
According to the Minister, the proposal stems from repeated incidents of lawlessness in the area, including arson attacks and even murder, which, he said, the government cannot ignore. He further noted that the creation of new councils, districts, and chiefdoms is aimed at improving service delivery. Factors such as geography, topography, and population growth, he explained, will guide any final decisions.
Ambassador Yambasu disclosed that his ministry has completed a nationwide tour and compiled recommendations that have been submitted to President Bio for consideration.
However, the proposal has sparked resistance among descendants of Biriwa Limba Chiefdom. In a statement, the head of the Biriwa Limba community in the United States, Mr. John Kargbo, appealed directly to President Bio to maintain the chiefdom’s current structure.
Mr. Kargbo cited a Supreme Court ruling which invalidated the chieftaincy claim of Dr. Idris Sheriff, describing him as the main source of unrest in the area. He argued that instead of redrawing chiefdom boundaries, government should have taken decisive legal action against Sheriff and his supporters, who, he said, were responsible for violence and lawlessness.
Kargbo further stressed that chiefdom names in Sierra Leone reflect deep historical and tribal roots, noting examples such as Bonthe Shebro, Kargboro, Samu, Kalangba, Kono, Kabala, Mandingo, and Yalunka. He insisted that Biriwa Limba Chiefdom is no exception, as its boundaries were mapped out during the pre-colonial era and had long maintained stability until recent chieftaincy disputes.
“President Bio is a leader who has always demonstrated fairness and inclusivity,” Kargbo said. “We are confident that he will use his democratic credentials to preserve the legacy and identity of Biriwa.”
Biriwa is one of the country’s smallest chiefdoms, comprising only nine sections and experiencing a gradual decline in population. Despite its size, the ongoing debate has put the chiefdom at the center of a national conversation about governance, identity, and tradition.
The final decision now awaits President Bio, who is expected to weigh both the recommendations of his Local Government Ministry and the appeals of Biriwa descendants.
