BY ALIE BADARA IN BO
In a renewed show of unity and purpose, Paramount Chiefs across Pujehun District have embarked on a collective effort to strengthen traditional governance and reinforce inter-chiefdom collaboration. The initiative, launched during a well-attended summit in Bandajuma Sowa on September 27, 2025, marks the beginning of a new chapter in traditional leadership, emphasizing shared responsibility, cultural pride, and community-driven development.
Hosted by Paramount Chief Lahai Sowa, the gathering brought together nine of the district’s fourteen Paramount Chiefs, signaling a revived spirit of cooperation among traditional rulers who play an integral role in Sierra Leone’s local governance system. The summit focused on rebuilding bilateral ties among the chiefdoms and restoring the values of trust, communication, and inclusiveness that have long anchored the district’s leadership.
Central to the discussions was the reactivation of the rotational monthly meeting system, a long-standing tradition that ensures each chiefdom hosts regular leadership sessions on a rotating basis. These meetings aim to enhance coordination between traditional leaders, promote accountability, and create a platform for addressing shared challenges affecting communities across the district.
Acting Chairman of the Pujehun District Paramount Chiefs Council, PC Sheku Abdul Kadiru Monuyaba Koroma of Futa Pejeh Chiefdom, reminded his colleagues that such gatherings are not new but a revival of an age-old practice that once united the district’s leadership. “Our forefathers maintained a rhythm of collaboration and mutual respect. We are now rekindling that legacy to ensure that traditional authority continues to serve as the moral and cultural compass of our people,” he remarked.
The Chiefs used the opportunity to outline a roadmap for strengthening traditional institutions through enhanced dialogue, collective decision-making, and proactive engagement with local authorities. They also emphasized the importance of community welfare, cultural preservation, and youth participation in local governance as pillars for sustainable progress.
Despite the absence of some notable chiefs, including Regent Chief Alex B. Lamin of Malen Chiefdom, the summit attracted several distinguished traditional leaders, such as PC Madam Martina Yaryu Minah, PC Monya Tamu of Makpele Chiefdom, PC Madam Wokie Jojo Massaquoi, PC Mohamed Mansaray Kpaka of Perry Chiefdom, and PC Mustapha Jenjay Massaquoi. Their presence underscored the shared vision for unity and collaboration among Pujehun’s traditional authorities.
Elders of Sowa Chiefdom also voiced strong support for the Chiefs’ renewed engagement, urging that these bilateral efforts extend beyond ceremonial gatherings to practical outcomes that improve livelihoods and foster development across communities.
The summit concluded with cultural performances that showcased Pujehun’s rich heritage—traditional dances, music, and storytelling that reinforced the deep bond between leadership and community.
As Pujehun’s Paramount Chiefs recommit to regular dialogue and cooperative governance, this revival of traditional unity stands as a powerful symbol of continuity and progress—blending ancient leadership customs with modern aspirations for peace, development, and inclusion across the district.
