Fako SDO Viang Mekala and President of SW House of chiefs HM Dr Atem Ebako
By Ahone HEIDI
The President of SW House of Chiefs has rebuked Fako SDO for threatening and denigrating traditional authorities in the region.
The Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako, Viang Mekala had in a message ordered chiefs in the division to participate in the upcoming Unity Day celebrations with threats of sanctions if they failed to comply.
According to the SDO’s memo dated May 15, 2025, all traditional rulers of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class chiefdoms were requested to be present at the grandstand during the celebrations on May 20, 2025.
The memo warned that any unjustified absence will be met with disciplinary sanctions including a request for explanation and a disciplinary file being sent to the hierarchy.
In ripost the President of the House of Chiefs, Southwest Regional Assembly, Dr. Chief Atem Ebako, has rebuked the SDO over the threatening statement.
In a strongly worded letter, Dr. Ebako described the threat of disciplinary sanction as “rude and callous,” arguing that it undermined the dignity and divine honor of traditional rulers.
“The statement is not only frustrating but disparaging to the status, divine honor, and dignity of the Traditional Rulers, not only of the Fako Division but of the whole SW Region,” Dr. Ebako stated.
The SDO’s directive aims to ensure the participation of traditional leaders in national events, emphasizing their role in promoting unity and cohesion in their respective communities.
However, Dr. Ebako’s response highlights the need for mutual respect and understanding between government officials and traditional leaders.
As the Unity Day celebrations approach, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what implications it may have for the relationship between traditional rulers and government officials in the region.
