After weeks of legal disputes, public controversy, stakeholder interventions, and intense debate within Sierra Leone’s legal community, members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) have voted to dissolve the Association’s executive and establish a five-member caretaker body to oversee its affairs pending fresh elections.
The landmark decision was reached during an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on 6 August 2026, bringing a significant chapter in the Bar Association’s governance crisis to a close.
Members unanimously adopted a motion for the creation of a caretaker body, with nominations moved by K. Sandi Esq. and subsequently approved by the meeting.
Those elected to serve on the caretaker committee are:
1. Mr. Osman Ibrahim Kanu Esq. – Solicitor-General
2. Hon. Hindolo M. Gevao Esq.
3. Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq.
4. Ms. Menisa Sesay Esq.
5. Lamin Mbayo Esq.
Following the adoption of the nominees, members elected Solicitor-General Osman Ibrahim Kanu Esq. as Chairman of the Caretaker Body.
The newly constituted committee has been mandated to manage the affairs of the Association and prepare the ground for a new Annual General Meeting and fresh elections.
The decision comes after months of growing tension within the legal profession, culminating in a series of events that attracted national and regional attention.
In July, a High Court order directed the outgoing executive to publish a verified voters’ register and audited financial statements ahead of planned elections. However, controversy deepened when lawyers were prevented from accessing the Freetown International Conference Centre at Bintumani on 31 July, where the Association had intended to hold its AGM and elections.
The police blockade triggered widespread criticism from lawyers, civil society organisations, and governance advocates, many of whom questioned the legal basis for the intervention.
Several institutions, including the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) and later the West African Bar Association (WABA), publicly expressed concern over developments surrounding the Association’s governance and electoral process.
Against that backdrop, calls grew louder for an independent mechanism capable of restoring confidence and guiding the Association toward a lawful and credible transition.
With the adoption of the caretaker arrangement, the executive led by President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, popularly known as Tuma Jabbie, formally relinquished control of the Association’s affairs.
Although her tenure ended amid unprecedented challenges, many lawyers acknowledged her role in guiding the Association through one of the most contentious periods in its recent history.
Shortly after his election, Osman Ibrahim Kanu Esq. expressed gratitude to members of the legal profession and key stakeholders who contributed to the resolution process.
In a public message, he extended appreciation to Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. for what he described as leadership during a difficult period, while also thanking outgoing President Tuma Adama Jabbi for her service to the Association.
He further acknowledged the support of colleagues who participated in the EGM and called for unity within the legal profession.
According to him, the transition presents an opportunity for healing, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the values that underpin the legal profession.
The establishment of the caretaker committee represents one of the most significant governance decisions taken by the Sierra Leone Bar Association in recent years.
For many observers, the move provides a pathway toward restoring stability, rebuilding trust among members, and ensuring that future elections are conducted in a transparent and credible manner.
While challenges remain, lawyers now appear united around a common objective: protecting the integrity of the Bar Association and preserving its role as a key institution in defending the rule of law, constitutional governance, and access to justice in Sierra Leone.
As the newly elected caretaker committee begins its work, attention will now shift to how quickly it can implement reforms, address outstanding concerns, and prepare the Association for fresh elections capable of restoring full confidence within the legal profession.