"University Lecturer Sandi Mohamed Koroma Gbatekaka V Secures Paramount Chieftaincy in Gaura Chiefdom, Kenema District, After a Tight Run-off Election"

February 14, 2024

Mr. Sandi Mohamed Koroma Gbatekaka, the former Eastern Region Athletes Association Chairman and Head of Health Education Department at Eastern Technical University, has been elected as the Paramount Chief of Gaura Chiefdom, Kenema District, in a closely contested election. Representing the Gbatekaka family, Mr. Gbatekaka secured the position after a run-off election, defeating his opponent Mendegla Robert by a narrow margin of 6 votes.

The election, which was held on Saturday 10th February 2024 in the Chiefdom Headquarter town of Joru, saw seven qualified candidates vying for the position. In the first round, Sandi Mohamed Koroma Gbatekaka and Mendegla Robert emerged with the highest votes and proceeded to the second round, where Mr. Gbatekaka secured the majority of votes, 474, against Mendegla Robert's 468 votes.

The Provincial Secretary – East David Bai Turay officially declared Sandi Mohamed Koroma Gbatekaka V as the Paramount Chief of Gaura Chiefdom, Kenema District. He will succeed PC Moses Sama Bunduka lll.

Gaura Chiefdom has a rich history, tracing its origins to a hunter named Mendegla from present-day Guinea. Mendegla settled in the area after a hunting trip and established the town of Joru, which means "among potatoes" in Mende. The Chiefdom has five family lines including Mendegula, Bachoy, Gbatekaka, Kallon, and Bunduka.

As the new Paramount Chief, Mr. Sandi Mohamed Koroma Gbatekaka V will play a crucial role in the development and governance of Gaura Chiefdom, Kenema District, and will carry forward the traditions and legacies of his predecessors.