By Richmond B. Tholley
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has withdrawn recognition of Paramount Chief Alimamy Sorie II, popularly known as Kathenkeh, as Paramount Chief of Kunike Barina Chiefdom in Tonkolili District, effective immediately.
The decision was announced on 19th June 2026 in a Public Notice signed by Minister Ambassador Tamba J.S. Lamina. It follows a chieftaincy dispute that has dragged on since 2010.
According to the notice, a Paramount Chieftaincy Election was held in Kunike Barina on 14th February 2010, and Alimamy Sorie II was declared Paramount Chief-elect. The result was later challenged through a petition. On 16th April 2012, the court annulled both the election and its outcome.
The court restrained Alimamy Sorie II from acting or officiating as Paramount Chief pending a fresh election. It also directed the Minister of Local Government to appoint a Regent Chief to administer the chiefdom in a caretaker capacity until a new Paramount Chief is elected, in line with Section 3(1) of the Chieftaincy Act, 2009.
The Ministry said the matter remained unresolved for over a decade. It concluded that continued recognition of Alimamy Sorie II is no longer in the best interest of Kunike Barina Chiefdom.
In line with the court order and the rule of law, Ambassador Lamina directed the immediate withdrawal of all official recognition accorded to Alimamy Sorie II. The former chief has been instructed to relinquish all duties, privileges, and authorities of the office, and to surrender all official insignia, documents, and properties belonging to the chiefdom to the Provincial Secretary without delay.
To maintain stability, the Ministry announced that a Regent Chief will assume administrative and customary responsibilities until a fresh election is conducted. A new Paramount Chieftaincy Election is to be held within six months, with the winner to be recognised in accordance with customary law and state statutes.
The Ministry clarified that the withdrawal does not bar Alimamy Sorie II from contesting any future Paramount Chieftaincy Election in Kunike Barina Chiefdom.
All government ministries, local authorities, stakeholders, and members of the public have been advised to take note and act accordingly.
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, which oversees local councils and chiefdom administration, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, preserving peace, and ensuring traditional governance operates within legal and customary provisions
