By Seedy Jobe
The Alkalo of Bantanjang Village, Lamin Tamba, confirmed his dismissal by the governor of the West Coast Region, reportedly over his support for opposition political activities.
Tamba, who has served as village head since 1995, said he was summoned to the governor’s office and informed verbally of his removal. “I asked if everything was okay, and he said yes,” Tamba recalled in a phone interview with Kerr Fatou. “They asked me if I was Bantanjang Alkalo, and I said yes. They said, ‘You are the one who hosted the No-to Alliance,’ and I answered yes.”
Expressing confusion over the decision, Tamba noted his long-standing practice of hosting both government and opposition parties. “We have welcomed both opposition and government parties, and now you’re saying I shouldn’t welcome the opposition?” he said.
According to Tamba, the governor cited his civil servant status and alleged alignment with the government as reasons for the dismissal. “They said it was because I am on the government side and a civil servant,” he said.
Tamba has since handed over his official stamp to the Chief of Bondali, Omar Colley, and informed villagers of his sacking. “They told me they don’t have anyone to replace me, that I am the only one they know,” he added.
Tamba also disputed claims that he frequently misses official meetings, attributing absences to health issues. “Sometimes I send my younger brother or my son to attend, and I provide fuel for that,” he said.
The dismissal raises questions about local governance and the role of traditional leaders in politically sensitive areas, particularly in communities with active engagement from multiple parties.
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