The National Council of Paramount Chiefs of Sierra Leone (NCPC-SL) has strongly condemned the unlawful exhumation and desecration of the remains of the late Hon. Paramount Chief Cyril Foray Gondor II, as well as acts of violence, destruction and looting in Pendembu Town, Upper Bambara Chiefdom, Kailahun District.
The incident reportedly occurred on the night of Friday, 16 October, and the early hours of Saturday, 17 October 2026, shortly after the late Paramount Chief was laid to rest following traditional rites of passage.
In a statement, the NCPC-SL expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and solidarity with all those affected by what it described as a sacrilegious and distressing incident. The Council also paid tribute to its late colleague, calling for respect for his remains and the preservation of traditional values.
The NCPC-SL comprises Paramount Chiefs from all 190 chiefdoms in Sierra Leone. Its mandate includes supporting traditional authorities in maintaining peace and order, upholding customs and traditions, and promoting development in their respective chiefdoms, in line with the 1991 Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act of 2009.
According to the Council, the late Paramount Chief of Upper Bambara Chiefdom and Paramount Chief Member of Parliament for Kailahun District answered his ancestral call on 5 September 2026.
On Friday, 16 October, his remains were taken to Pendembu for his final traditional rites of passage. The cortege reportedly arrived safely, and the remains were handed over to chiefdom stakeholders in accordance with tradition before being respectfully laid to rest.
However, the Council stated that shortly after the interment, the tomb was destroyed, the remains unlawfully exhumed and paraded through the town, and the coffin set ablaze.
The statement further alleged that five houses belonging to the late Paramount Chief, his wife and close family members were vandalised during the incident.
Graphic photographs and video footage of the desecration were subsequently recorded and widely circulated on social media platforms.
The Council described the incident as a grave violation of Sierra Leone’s customary and statutory laws, stressing that the institution of Paramount Chieftaincy is constitutionally recognised and must be accorded the highest level of respect and dignity.
It maintained that traditional rites performed for Paramount Chiefs in Kailahun and other districts had previously taken place without incident, emphasising that customs and traditions do not justify violence.
The NCPC-SL further described the incident as a premeditated act of violence, criminality and sacrilege, insisting that it had no connection with the country’s cherished secret societies.
According to the Council, desecrating the remains of the dead represents a serious affront to humanity, dignity and the shared cultural values of Sierra Leoneans.
It also condemned the public parading of human remains and the burning of the coffin, describing such acts as contrary to the country’s customs and traditions.
The Council expressed particular concern over the recording and circulation of graphic images of the incident on social media, warning that such conduct was disrespectful and could constitute an offence under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act, 2021, as amended, and other applicable public order laws.
The NCPC-SL pledged that its members would fully cooperate with the Government and relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible, including anyone who instigated or participated in the violence, are brought to justice.
In its call to action, the Council urged the Government and the public to continue protecting the dignity and integrity of the institution of Paramount Chieftaincy.
It called on the Sierra Leone Police to strengthen investigations into the incident and make arrests impartially, while urging the Judiciary to expedite the trial of suspects and ensure that those found guilty receive appropriate sentences.
The Council also appealed to the Government to provide adequate security and support to the bereaved family to ensure that the final rites of the late Paramount Chief are completed peacefully and without further interference.
Additionally, it recommended the establishment of an investigative committee, including representatives of the NCPC-SL, to conduct an independent investigation and submit its findings to the Government.
The Council called on the Government, individuals, businesses, organisations and well-wishers to contribute funds, materials and other forms of assistance to support the bereaved family and those affected by the incident.
It further reaffirmed the support of Paramount Chiefs for initiatives aimed at restoring properties damaged during the violence in Pendembu.
The NCPC-SL also appealed to citizens, particularly social media users, to stop sharing, forwarding or commenting on the widely circulated graphic images, urging the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the deceased and his family.
Meanwhile, the Council called on residents of Pendembu, Upper Bambara Chiefdom and Kailahun District to provide the police with credible information that could lead to the arrest of suspects.
It urged residents to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while allowing the bereaved family and chiefdom authorities the space needed to ensure a dignified and befitting final rite of passage for the late Paramount Chief.
Concluding its statement, the NCPC-SL reaffirmed its commitment to peace, social cohesion, the rule of law, customary governance and the preservation of Sierra Leone’s traditions.
The Council called on all Sierra Leoneans to respect the institution of Paramount Chieftaincy, uphold the dignity of human life, respect the dead, support justice and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult period.
The post Paramount Chiefs Outraged Over Desecration of Late Chief’s Remains appeared first on Sierraloaded.