Samuel Kogar’s Rituals Over Prince Johnson’s Remains: Power of the Warrior or Godfather Title?

The people of Nimba County are divided over the recent traditional ceremony involving Representative Samuel Kogar following the death of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. While some claim the rituals symbolized the transfer of the late senator’s warrior mantle, others argue it was a political stunt to position Kogar as the next “godfather” of Nimba County. This heated debate has drawn attention to the delicate intersection of tradition, culture, and politics in the region.

Liberia is no stranger to intense debates, particularly when they touch on politics and culture. The recent reports surrounding Representative Samuel Kogar’s involvement in traditional rites after the death of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson have sparked a heated conversation among the people of Nimba County. But was this ceremony an authentic cultural practice, or was it a politically motivated spectacle?

Some narratives suggest that Kogar performed traditional rites by jumping over the late Senator’s corpse four times in a symbolic gesture to become the new “godfather” of Nimba. However, this claim has been met with fierce opposition and varying accounts from citizens and traditional insiders.

A Defender of Tradition Speaks

Ed-Nuah Tuazama, son of a traditional leader from the Zoegeh Chiefdom, offered a detailed perspective. According to him, the ceremony in question is deeply rooted in Nimba’s culture. He clarified that the late Senator’s body was brought to Bahn City, the headquarters of the Zoegeh Chiefdom, for a ritual that can only occur there.

Tuazama explained that in Nimba’s tradition, a hero or warrior cannot be buried with their power. Instead, their warrior spirit is transferred to a successor. In this case, Kogar, as an immediate family member and sitting lawmaker, was the chosen successor. Tuazama dismissed any claims of bribery or political motivation, asserting that the process was purely traditional.

The Critics Push Back

Cyrus Ricardo Dwayne, however, had a starkly different take. For him, this ceremony was less about tradition and more about Kogar’s political ambitions. He accused Kogar of orchestrating the event to position himself as Senator Johnson’s successor, alleging that elders were financially induced to participate.

“The people of Nimba do not desecrate the dead as we saw Kogar and his induced elders did today,” Dwayne wrote. He pointed out the historical tension between Kogar and Prince Johnson, questioning how such a transfer of power could be legitimate given their contentious relationship.

A Heated Exchange

Tuazama did not take these accusations lightly. He fired back at Dwayne, suggesting that his comments stemmed from a lack of understanding of Nimba’s traditions. He emphasized that no money changed hands and that the ritual was consistent with what had been done for Prince Johnson himself years ago.

According to Tuazama, the tradition is clear: only someone from the family line and in a leadership position can inherit the mantle of bravery. Kogar, as a sitting lawmaker and family member, fit the criteria.

Perspectives from the Public

The broader public also weighed in. Melvin Koboi clarified that the ceremony wasn’t about a political “godfather” title but rather the symbolic transfer of bravery within the family. Abigail Karneh supported this view, reminding everyone that similar rituals took place when Prince Johnson himself assumed the mantle, albeit without the scrutiny of social media.

“Let traditions be traditions! When it’s time for politics, we shall realign,” Karneh remarked, encapsulating the sentiment of many who believe culture and politics should remain separate.

Tradition vs. Politics

This debate raises larger questions about the intersection of tradition and politics in Liberia. Is this ceremony a genuine cultural practice, or has it been co-opted for political gain? While defenders of the ritual argue its authenticity, critics remain unconvinced, pointing to the timing and motives behind the event.

For now, the people of Nimba are left to decide: is this the preservation of heritage, or the manipulation of tradition for personal ambition? One thing is certain, the legacy of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson continues to cast a long shadow over Nimba County.