Grand Gedeh Elders Apologize to Weah Over Rejected Funeral Gift for Nancy Doe

Published: June 9, 2025

MONROVIA, Liberia – Elders from Tuzon, Grand Gedeh County, have formally apologized to former President George Weah after his funeral donation to the family of the late former First Lady Nancy B. Doe was publicly rejected.

The elders, led by former Grand Gedeh Senator Isaac Nyenebo, met with Weah to express regret for what they called a “disrespectful” act by Veronica Doe, daughter of the deceased, who turned away a condolence gift from Weah that included cows, rice, and other items.

“We have come with humility to apologize to former President Weah for what transpired,” said Nyenebo during the meeting. “The behavior of Madam Veronica Doe does not reflect who we are as a people. On behalf of the elders and the people of Tuzon, we respectfully accept the gift that was initially turned away.”

Veronica Doe’s rejection of the gift, widely perceived as politically motivated, drew sharp criticism across the country and was seen as a violation of Liberia’s traditional mourning customs that emphasize respect, unity, and solidarity.

Weah, who governed from 2018 to 2024, had sent the donation as a gesture of national unity following the death of Nancy B. Doe, widow of former Head of State Samuel K. Doe. The incident, however, reignited long-standing political tensions between supporters of the Doe family and Weah.

The elders’ intervention has been praised by traditional and political leaders as a vital step toward restoring harmony.

“No individual has the authority to reject the goodwill of others on behalf of an entire community,” Nyenebo emphasized. “The legacy of the late Nancy B. Doe belongs to all of us—Grand Gedeh and Liberia at large.”

Before the elders’ visit, Weah himself had publicly appealed for forgiveness, urging Veronica Doe and the people of Grand Gedeh to accept his gesture in the spirit of reconciliation.

While Weah has not issued a public statement on the elders’ apology, sources close to him say he received the gesture warmly and reaffirmed his commitment to peace.

Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and President Joseph Boakai have also visited the Doe family. Koung called for national unity and healing, while President Boakai expressed sympathy and extended his administration’s request to rebury former President Doe alongside his wife as a national honor. The family has yet to respond to the government’s proposal.