By: Staff Writer
Todee District, Liberia – Hundreds of residents from the Marquoi Clan in rural Todee District staged a peaceful protest on Friday, urging the Liberian government to reinstate J. Foday Lewis as their Clan Chief following the abrupt revocation of his appointment.
The demonstration brought together elders, youth, women, and traditional leaders from over 250 towns and villages across the Marquoi Clan.
Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans in support of Lewis, who they say was unfairly removed only two weeks after being officially appointed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Emmanuel F. David Tokpah alleged political interference behind the decision, pointing to Bong County Senator Prince Moye—who reportedly owns farmland in the area—as influencing the revocation for personal gain.
“The people have decided we will only recognize and work with Foday Lewis as our Clan Chief,” Tokpah declared. “Even if it means going to jail, we are prepared to defend our leader and the integrity of our community.”
Residents said Lewis had already received his official appointment letter and had been formally inducted into office before the decision was reversed.
No official explanation has been provided, prompting calls for a full investigation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the office of the county superintendent.
Protesters also highlighted Lewis’s previous tenure as Clan Chief, during which the district saw several development initiatives, including the construction of a town hall, the provision of safe drinking water, and the installation of an Orange GSM communication tower.
“Let the politicians stay out of our clan issues,” Tokpah urged. “All we want is peace, progress, and the right to choose our own leaders.”
The protest ended with a firm resolution by the residents to continue advocating for Lewis’s reinstatement and to resist any attempts to impose external leadership on their community.
