By Amadu Sesay
Fresh allegations emerging from Tankoro Chiefdom in Kono District point to an escalating dispute between a young man and powerful traditional authorities over his refusal to join the Poro Society, a development that sources describe as increasingly dangerous.
According to multiple accounts gathered from individuals familiar with the matter, the young man, identified as Mustapha Koroma, has been under sustained pressure to undergo initiation into the Poro Society, a longstanding male secret institution that holds considerable cultural and political influence in parts of Sierra Leone. The pressure allegedly stems from expectations tied to family lineage and traditional leadership structures within the chiefdom.
Sources claim that a senior traditional figure who serves as a Paramount Chief, insisted that initiation was not optional for male members connected to the ruling framework. In that context, refusal was reportedly interpreted not simply as a personal choice, but as an open challenge to customary authority.
The situation is said to have escalated following an event gathering at the Chief compound in Kono, where what appeared to be a public celebration allegedly masked preparations for a forced initiation. During the event, individuals linked to the chiefdom reportedly seized the young man’s younger brother. Witnesses say that as men began closing in on him, a sudden warning shout created a brief moment of confusion, allowing him to flee the scene.
Those close to the matter believe the incident was a calculated attempt to compel his initiation against his will.
After the episode, a report was allegedly made to police authorities in Freetown. However, no visible action followed. Observers note that Paramount Chiefs wield substantial customary authority in rural chiefdoms, and allegations involving them often unfold within complex layers of social and political influence.
It was around July 2023, according to sources, the situation has intensified. It is alleged that efforts were made to track him down in Freetown on multiple occasions. Individuals familiar with the developments claim that men believed to be acting on behalf of powerful traditional actors made attempts to locate and apprehend him. These accounts have not been independently verified, and law enforcement authorities have issued no public statement addressing the claims.
What is clear, however, is that the young man’s whereabouts are currently unknown. Those who have spoken about the matter say he believes returning to his home district or even remaining visible within Sierra Leone could expose him to grave risk. They fear that if seen, he could face forced initiation or physical harm.
The controversy highlights a deeper national tension between customary authority and constitutionally protected rights. Sierra Leone’s legal framework guarantees freedom of religion and personal liberty. At the same time, secret societies such as the Poro continue to hold significant cultural power, particularly in rural communities.
Some community sources allege that in recent decades, initiation practices have shifted toward adults, partly due to concerns over the physical and psychological toll associated with earlier age initiations. Allegations of harsh treatment during certain rites, though rarely documented publicly, continue to circulate in private discussions.
Attempts to obtain comment from representatives within the chiefdom have not yielded a response. Law enforcement agencies have likewise remained silent regarding the alleged threats or the earlier complaint.
For now, the young man at the center of the dispute remains out of sight. The allegations surrounding his case paint a troubling picture one in which cultural obligation, authority, and personal conviction collide in ways that could carry serious consequences if he were to resurface publicly.