BAHN CITY, Nimba County – The funeral of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, a towering figure in Nimba’s political and cultural history, became the stage for fiery political exchanges and cultural controversy.

Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Senator Thomas Yaya Nimley of Grand Gedeh County clashed over allegations surrounding Johnson’s legacy and the government’s role in his death, while a traditional ritual performed by Representative Samuel G. Kogar added a layer of cultural debate.

Fiery Accusations During Eulogy

During his eulogy, Senator Nimley accused Vice President Koung and President Joseph Boakai of betraying Johnson by pressuring him to support the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. Nimley claimed the emotional strain from this pressure contributed to Johnson’s death.

“Senator Johnson supported past leaders to buy time so that he wouldn’t be prosecuted,” Nimley declared. “The new President promised Senator Johnson time, but when the time came, the time was not given. His death is a direct result of the government’s abandonment of its commitment to protect its own.”

The remarks sparked an immediate and heated response from Vice President Koung, a close protégé of Johnson. Koung rejected the allegations, asserting that Johnson had willingly signed the resolution for the court as a demonstration of his belief in justice and his innocence.

“Senator Johnson was never found guilty of any war crimes,” Koung said. “He wanted to clear his name and set the record straight. To suggest otherwise is not only disingenuous but disrespectful to his memory.”

Cultural Controversy: Kogar’s Ritual

The funeral also saw Representative Samuel G. Kogar perform a traditional ritual involving four leaps over Johnson’s corpse. The act, intended to symbolically transfer Johnson’s warrior mantle to Kogar, divided public opinion.

Traditional leaders and some community members defended the ritual, emphasizing its cultural significance. “This is about preserving our traditions,” said Ed-Nuah Tuazama, the son of a Zoegeh traditional leader. “Kogar, as both a family member and leader, was eligible to receive Senator Johnson’s warrior mantle.”

Critics, however, dismissed the act as a political maneuver aimed at positioning Kogar as Johnson’s successor ahead of the looming by-election. “This was not about culture; it was a political show,” argued Cyrus Ricardo Dwayne, a vocal critic.

The ritual also sparked outrage among some who viewed it as a betrayal of Johnson’s Christian faith. Johnson, who converted to Christianity while in exile in Nigeria, founded the Christ Chapel of Faith and was known for his commitment to his newfound faith.

Reflections on a Complex Legacy

Born in 1948 in Tappita, Nimba County, Prince Johnson’s life was marked by dramatic transformations. From his early career in the Liberian National Guard to his rise as a notorious warlord during the First Liberian Civil War, Johnson’s role in capturing and executing President Samuel Doe cemented his controversial reputation.

Following the disbandment of his Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) and years of exile in Nigeria, Johnson converted to Christianity and reconciled with the family of Samuel Doe. He returned to Liberia in 2004 and successfully transitioned into politics, becoming a key figure in Nimba County and a significant player on the national stage.

Despite his efforts to promote peace and development, Johnson’s tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. In 2021, he was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for alleged corruption, including the sale of votes.

Political Implications and Path Forward

The funeral has intensified political tensions ahead of the by-election to fill Johnson’s Senate seat. The Koung-Nimley altercation and Kogar’s controversial ritual have sparked debates about leadership, justice, and cultural heritage in Nimba County.

President Joseph Boakai and former President George Weah both paid tribute to Johnson, acknowledging his contributions to Liberia’s political landscape while reflecting on the complexities of his legacy.

As Nimba prepares for the by-election, the events surrounding Johnson’s funeral could influence the region’s political dynamics, shaping the next chapter in the county’s storied history.