By Mohamed Kamara
A youngman named Aiah Mansa Teh, has gotten severe death threats hanging on him after escaping ‘Poro’ Society initiations in Kono, Tombadu Kamara chiefdom this past week.
According to the traditional and cultural laws of Sierra Leone, Aiah Mansa Teh, being the star son of his father is destined to succeed the position of his late father Tamba Teh, (Pormasu) as the Poro Society head.
After the old man’s demise which seems to be an “unclean death” as one community member described it, his eldest son must be initiated into the secret society.
Aiah is the rightful son by their law destined to replace his father after his death.
However, the young man who according to information gathered by this media house, escaped from initiation on his 8th Day and refused to abide to the long existing compulsory traditional laws of getting him initiated. After deserting the initiation on the 8th day, Aiah also escaped his former residence at 10 Tombodu Kamara chiefdom to an unknown location as preparations by the Poro men for his initiation was under way.
Reports say Aiah and his family were in their late father’s house at night when a set of men from the said secret Society marched straight into their compound demanding that Aiah has to go with them.
This press was informed that on 25th August 2022 at around 9:00pm, the youngman was attacked and harassed by Poro society members and the Mask devils, with the fracas going on, Aiah was able to escape.
Other community members in the town told this reporter that it was good that the youngman escaped from the traditional society members before being taken to the initiation otherwise he would have been a dead man by now.
Owing to forceful initiations of the Poro Society, it had always caused the death of innocent young men in the country.
Whatever the truth is, authorities here have not given up search on him as report say he is still badly wanted by the Poro National Union.
What is more of concern in Aiah’s case is the fact that some of the state holders are part of this Poro Society in the country that includes Politicians, Police, military personnel and many more serving as active members.
So, the possibility for Aiah to escape such a very treacherous fraternity is never visible. Referencing past experiences, should he be captured by this fraternity his next choice will be death as it’s against tradition for a next in line Son to deny initiation and inheritance in such situations.
