Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Alkalo of Bantanjang Village, Lamba Tamba, was removed from office on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in a move that has sparked outrage among villagers and opposition figures in Foni, raising serious questions about constitutional authority, political neutrality, and alleged intimidation of traditional leaders.
The controversial decision followed a tense meeting at the West Coast Region Governor’s Office, where Alkalo Tamba was summoned by Governor Ousman Bojang.
During the meeting, he was questioned over his decision to host members of the opposition “No to Alliance” group as part of their campaign activities during an ongoing by-election. He was also accused of failing to attend district meetings convened by the Chief of Bondali.
In the presence of the Chief of Bondali, Omar Colley, Alkalo Tamba rejected the allegations, insisting that he has consistently fulfilled his duties.
He explained that on occasions when he is unable to attend meetings personally, he delegates responsibility to his son or another representative. He further reminded officials that he had welcomed all political parties during the 2011 elections without facing any disciplinary action.
“I attend district meetings whenever they are held. On occasions when I am unable to attend personally, I send my son or another representative on my behalf,” the Alkalo reportedly told the meeting.
Accounts from those familiar with the discussions indicate that tensions escalated sharply, with a heated exchange between Alkalo Tamba and Deputy Governor Musa Amul Nyassi, which nearly degenerated into a physical confrontation.
Later that same evening, Chief Colley reportedly visited Bantanjang Village and collected Alkalo Tamba’s official stamp, a move widely interpreted as formalizing his removal from office. The development has left residents of the village shocked and fearful for the fate of their long-serving traditional leader, who has held the position since the First Republic.
The decision has drawn strong condemnation from Hon. Almameh Gibba, National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, who described the removal as unconstitutional and politically motivated. He cited Section 59 of the 1997 Constitution, which outlines the appointment of Alkalos but makes no explicit provision for their removal.
“This is deeply troubling and unconstitutional, especially given that he has served as Alkalo since the First Republic,” Hon. Gibba said.
The lawmaker accused authorities of selectively targeting Alkalos in Foni while leaving their counterparts in other regions untouched. He called on the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Amat Bah, to intervene without delay.
“I hope that the Minister of Local Government will act decisively against this unconstitutional removal. We expect him to urgently intervene to ensure the immediate reinstatement of the Alkalo,” he declared.
Hon. Gibba also warned against what he described as the misuse of administrative authority to pressure traditional leaders into aligning with specific political interests, stressing that Alkalos have a constitutional right to remain politically neutral.
“Alkalos have the right to remain politically neutral, and they should not be forced to support any political agenda under threat of removal,” he emphasized.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Ministry of Local Government nor the West Coast Region Governor’s Office has publicly cited any constitutional or statutory basis for Alkalo Tamba’s removal, intensifying calls for transparency, accountability, and his immediate reinstatement.
