By Alfred Korma
YONIBANA, TONKOLILI DISTRICT, SIERRA LEONE — The death of a respected traditional elder often leaves behind a legacy that the next generation is expected to preserve. In Yonibana and across Tonkolili District, some elders are hoping that Malcolm Koroma, the eldest son of the late Osman Koroma, will consider continuing his father’s traditional heritage within the Poro Secret Society.
The late Osman Koroma, who held the respected title of A Soko Bana, was an important figure within the traditional institution. Since around 2017, some Poro elders have reportedly made efforts to initiate Malcolm and be more involved in the society. Their efforts, according to community accounts, intensified during his father’s illness and following his death.
For these elders, the matter goes beyond a title. It concerns family heritage, cultural identity and the continuation of traditions passed from one generation to another.
They believe Malcolm has an opportunity to learn more about his late father’s role, engage with the elders and consider the responsibilities associated with his family’s traditional connection.
Malcolm Should Come Home
According to the elders of the Poro Secret Society, this is the time for Malcolm Koroma to return home, engage with the traditional elders and give serious consideration to the great legacy left behind by his late father, Osman Koroma. As the eldest son, he occupies a special place in his family, and many elders believe he has an important responsibility to help preserve the traditional heritage his father represented.
Yet, against the backdrop of concerns surrounding forced or coerced initiation in Sierra Leone, with reported cases of abductions, assaults and deaths linked to such practices, one important question remains: Will Malcolm Koroma return home to honour his father’s legacy and embrace his traditional responsibilities, or will concerns about the risks of initiation continue to keep him away?
A Child Responsibility and a Father’s Legacy: Searching for Malcolm Koroma
