The government of Sierra Leone has appointed Nabieu Yayah Yillah as the caretaker chief of Samu Chiefdom in Kambia District. This move comes as a Commission of Inquiry investigates the suspended paramount chief, Alhaji Bai Shebora Yek II, over allegations of misconduct and security-related concerns. The appointment was made by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
According to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Yillah was formally inducted on October 29, 2026, in a ceremony presided over by Local Government Minister Ambassador Tamba Lamina. During the ceremony, Minister Lamina urged Yillah to prioritize reconciliation and restore cooperation among traditional authorities and residents in the chiefdom, which has been experiencing tensions.
Minister Lamina emphasized the importance of Yillah consulting established traditional leadership structures, including the Speaker, section chiefs, town chiefs, and chiefdom committee, before making important administrative decisions. He also highlighted Samu Chiefdom's strategic position along Sierra Leone's border, stressing the need for cooperation between traditional authorities, district officials, and security institutions.
The allegations against the suspended paramount chief, Alhaji Bai Shebora Yek II, include disputes over land, the alleged imposition of sub-chiefs, disputes involving traditional authorities, and disagreements surrounding the Kanta Ceremony. A Commission of Inquiry has been set up to investigate these allegations and allow the suspended chief to present his defense.
Yillah's appointment aims to maintain administrative continuity in Samu Chiefdom while the inquiry proceeds. In accepting the appointment, Yillah pledged to promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation with traditional leaders and community members during his interim tenure. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has assured that the caretaker chief will work closely with the District Officer and security agencies.
The leadership change in Samu Chiefdom follows the Ministry's announcement on September 22, 2026, suspending Paramount Chief Yek II under Sections 19 and 21(1) of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009. The suspension had received presidential approval through a memorandum dated September 17, 2026. The Ministry has emphasized that the allegations against the suspended paramount chief remain subject to investigation and have not been established as findings of guilt.
The government has encouraged Yillah to maintain a presence in the chiefdom and coordinate with the Council of Paramount Chiefs and the District Security Committee to address administrative and security concerns. With this appointment, the government aims to ensure peace and stability in Samu Chiefdom during this period of leadership transition.
Key points
- The government has appointed Nabieu Yayah Yillah as caretaker chief of Samu Chiefdom following the suspension of Paramount Chief Alhaji Bai Shebora Yek II.
- The caretaker chief's primary task is to maintain administrative continuity and promote reconciliation in the chiefdom.
- A Commission of Inquiry has been set up to investigate allegations against the suspended paramount chief.
