Emmanuel Sesay: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 10 November 2025:
Reflecting on the Paramount Chieftaincy in Sierra Leone, it is essential to consider its significance as a pillar of cultural identity and local governance. The Paramount Chieftaincy, rooted in tradition and history, faces a growing challenge of absenteeism among its chiefs.
Initially stemming from wartime circumstances, where chiefs fled violence for safety, this trend has now become a norm with many Paramount Chiefs residing outside their chiefdoms for extended periods. This absenteeism, once justified by crisis, now poses a threat to the customs and laws that underpin the institution.
Traditionally, chieftaincy in Sierra Leone was characterized by a close bond between ruler and subjects, marked by rituals of respect and accountability. However, the current scenario paints a different picture, with some chiefs rarely visiting their chiefdoms, residing in urban areas, and delegating their duties.
This departure from tradition not only undermines the legitimacy of the chiefs but also raises questions about the moral and legal obligations of their office. Paramount Chiefs are entrusted with public service, and their authority is expected to be exercised within their communities, not from a distance.
While the Constitution and Chieftaincy Act do not explicitly address residency requirements for chiefs, the absence of such provisions has allowed for prolonged neglect without consequences. This loophole has perpetuated a culture of absentee leadership, where thrones remain occupied symbolically but lack the substance of true governance.
Drawing parallels from historical and legal precedents, it is evident that prolonged absence from one’s chiefdom amounts to gross misconduct and a dereliction of duty. Paramount Chiefs who choose to govern from afar risk forfeiting their moral authority and the essence of their role as custodians of tradition.
It is imperative for legislative bodies and traditional authorities to collaborate in defining residency guidelines for chiefs and enforcing accountability measures for absenteeism. The Paramount Chieftaincy must reclaim its integrity and relevance by upholding the principles of proximity, accountability, and service to the community.
Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads where the convergence of tradition and modernity necessitates a reevaluation of the role of Paramount Chiefs. The law must be invoked to restore the essence of chieftaincy and ensure that chiefs are not just ceremonial figures but active participants in the governance and development of their chiefdoms.
Legal Note: Non-Residence as Gross Misconduct
While the legal framework in Sierra Leone does not explicitly define non-residence as gross misconduct for Paramount Chiefs, historical cases and administrative practices suggest that prolonged absence without justification constitutes a breach of duty. The principle of gross misconduct extends to behaviors that hinder the effective discharge of official responsibilities, including persistent neglect of one’s chiefdom.
By examining past rulings and legal interpretations, it becomes evident that absenteeism by Paramount Chiefs undermines the core principles of chieftaincy and may be tantamount to constructive abdication. The time has come for a reformation of the Chieftaincy Act to address the issue of absentee chiefs and uphold the integrity of traditional leadership.
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