SLPP Retreats on Acting Mayor Claim, Recasts Gbla as Councillors’ Leader
The Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Jimmy Batilo Songa, has reversed his earlier position designating Councillor Ibrahim Gbla as “Acting Mayor” of Freetown, following mounting public criticism and legal concerns.
In a shift widely seen as a response to backlash, Songa clarified that Gbla will now serve as Leader of the SLPP Councillors in the Freetown City Council, rather than holding any mayoral designation.
The controversy stems from arguments by legal analysts and members of the public who pointed to the Local Government Act (2022), which does not explicitly provide for the position of an “Acting Mayor.” Critics had challenged the legality of the earlier announcement, prompting the party to reconsider its stance.
Speaking at a gathering at the party’s headquarters in Freetown, Songa maintained that the SLPP retains the authority to appoint a leader among its councillors to coordinate party activities within the council.
“We have appointed a leader of SLPP councillors to represent the party in the Council. This decision falls within my constitutional mandate,” he stated. He added that the designated leader would work with fellow councillors and the Chief Administrator to advance development efforts and improve service delivery in the municipality.
Songa also reiterated his criticism of Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, arguing that while she remains the legitimate office holder, her absence from active governance has created a vacuum that must be addressed.
“Even though the Mayor has legitimacy, if she abandons her job, others must step in to fill the vacuum,” he said, further calling on her to hand over official responsibilities, including the office keys and vehicle, if she is unwilling to perform her duties.
He, however, acknowledged limits to the party’s position, noting that the councillors’ leader is not intended to perform the full functions of the Mayor.
“We cannot put the cart before the horse when it comes to the leader of SLPP councillors performing the job of the Mayor. When the time comes, we will address that,” Songa added.
In a related development, Councillor Ibrahim Gbla has publicly rejected the “Acting Mayor” title.
“I want to make it clear that I am not an acting mayor,” Gbla stated. “My party has asked me to serve as the SLPP councillors’ leader at the City Council. If you check my social media page, there is nothing like ‘acting mayor.’”
Gbla’s position has sparked further debate, with critics suggesting his remarks may reflect legal advice or political recalibration. Observers have also pointed to an earlier social media post attributed to him, dated February 27, in which he hinted that Freetown would soon have an SLPP “acting mayor”—a statement that appears inconsistent with his current stance.
The unfolding developments highlight the deepening political and legal tensions surrounding leadership at the Freetown City Council, as questions persist over governance, legitimacy, and the interpretation of the law.
