Chieftaincy Act, 2009
An Act consolidating and modernising the law relating to chieftaincy in Sierra Leone, including the election and functions of paramount chiefs.
Summary
The Chieftaincy Act, 2009 restates and modernises the law relating to chieftaincy in Sierra Leone. It governs the institution of paramount and lesser chiefs, their recognition, and their role within local governance and the administration of customary law.
The Act provides for the qualifications for chieftaincy, the procedures for the election and selection of paramount chiefs, the recognition and functions of chiefs, and the handling of chieftaincy disputes. It seeks to preserve the traditional institution while providing clear and fair rules for succession and administration.
It operates alongside the local government framework, maintaining the place of traditional authorities within the modern system of local administration.
Main provisions
- Restates the law on the institution of chieftaincy.
- Provides for qualifications for chieftaincy and the election of paramount chiefs.
- Provides for the recognition and functions of chiefs.
- Provides for the resolution of chieftaincy disputes.
- Preserves the role of traditional authorities within local governance.