By Sajor Bundoh
A 26-year-old man Babah Fofanah from Nerekroo Village in Simiria Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, Northern Province of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has reportedly fled the country after being pressured by his family to undergo initiation into the Gbangbani Society in order to inherit his late father’s position and property.
Babah Fofanah, whose father Amadu Fofanah was the head of the secretive and controversial Gbangbani Society in their village, disappeared shortly after receiving a summons from village elders informing him of his expected initiation. The Gbangbani Society is widely known in the region for its secret rites and has long faced criticism for alleged inhumane and violent practices.
Speaking to this reporter, Babah’s stepmother, Yeanoh Bangura, confirmed the family’s expectations. “My husband was the head of the Gbangbani Society. Now that he is gone, one of his sons must replace him, or else the family will suffer terrible consequences,” she said. “Babah can not inherit anything from his father unless he goes through the initiation. That is not a choice. It is the tradition.”
However, Babah’s friend, Abu Lakoh, offered insight into why he may have chosen to escape. “Babah lost his elder brother during an initiation in the Gbangbani bush a few years ago. It traumatized him. He told me he never wanted to be part of that,” Lakoh explained. “After the village elders called him to a meeting to inform him of the initiation date, I never saw him again. I don’t know where he is now.”
The case highlights ongoing tensions in parts of Sierra Leone between traditional practices and human rights concerns. While the Gbangbani Society plays a significant cultural role in many communities, critics argue that its secretive nature and methods especially when participation is not voluntary, violate basic freedoms.
Authorities have not yet commented on the situation. It remains unclear whether Babah Fofanah is still in the country or has sought asylum elsewhere.
The Gbangbani society was part of the culture introduced by the Loko people in Northern part of Sierra Leone. Gbangbani and Poro Society introduced by the Mane people, migrants to the region as early as 1000 AD share similar trait and treatment. The Poro society has its own special rituals, language, ancient Saharan script, tattooing, and symbols. Details are scarce due to an oath of secrecy. The Gbangbani can place its taboo on anything or anybody. As no member would defy its order, much trouble has been caused where the taboo has been laid upon crops. There are also religious and civil aspects of the Gbangbani. Under the former, boys join it at puberty in a rite of passage. Under its civil aspects, society serves as a kind of native governing body, making laws, deciding on war and peace, etc
