One of the versions that emerged was that, the Paramount Chief had gone to impose his authority on the People of Old Port Loko. It was further spread that the Chiefdom of Maforki has been De-amalgamated and those in Maforki are no longer under the rule of Pc Alikali Mella and were defiant to any of his authority.
This is however contrary to the information gained at the Port Loko Police Station where the matter is being investigated. As outlined by the Crime –Assistant Superintendent Michael J K Lagga, Police is investigating a case of Riotous conduct. It was reported by Paramount Chief Alikali Mella against the people of New Maforki at Old Port Loko.
In other development
The Problem started when Pc Mella was asked by one of his Sub Chiefs- Pa Alimamy N’Kenedy Kamara of Moria Section to be allowed to complete his traditional ceremonies. This is a sub chief that was crowned by Paramount Chief Bai Forki. But Pc Forki died before Pa Alimamy N’Kenedy could complete the traditional ceremonies. I understand this Sub Chief has waited for over 11 years to complete these ceremonies because they can only be performed by a substantive Paramount Chief. It is also said that Pa Alimamy did not join Pc Mella when he was undergoing his ceremonies because, the traditions are different. Sources say, it was Pc Mella who okayed Pa Alimamy to go to ‘ Kantha’ to complete the ceremonies.
On the day in question, the Paramount Chief sent another Sub Chief in the person of Pa Alimamy Kanu to cross check the level of preparedness at New Maforki Town. It was reported that things were in order and the people were only waiting on him- the Paramount Chief.
Pc Mella later went with his Council of Chiefdom Elders and was baffled to know that the without his authority. The Paramount Chief is quoted as viewing this as a sign of disrespect.
He directly blamed one Pa Alimamy Sonkoi and ordered the ceremonies to be stopped. This was allegedly challenged by Pa Alimamy Sonkoi who maintained that he has every right to go on with the conduct of the ceremonies without the permission of the Paramount Chief. It was this that developed to an argument, confrontation, insulting words, pelting of stones, wounding and the subsequent arrest of people.
