Published: February 13, 2026
By David Menjor
GANTA, Nimba County — Traditional authorities in Nimba County say they intend to summon Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, popularly known as Prophet Key, to appear before the county’s highest customary council in Zayglay Town, citing concerns about his public conduct and its implications for traditional leadership.
The announcement was made Wednesday during a live broadcast on Voice of Gompa by Nimba County General Cultural Coordinator Melvin Gbaylia and Chief Zoe Saye Papa, speaking on behalf of the Nimba County Chiefs and Elders Council.
The elders said the summons would proceed independently of ongoing Supreme Court contempt proceedings involving Prophet Key and Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay.
“Even if the law sets him free, tradition will examine its own concerns,” the elders said during the broadcast, emphasizing what they described as the separate roles of statutory courts and customary governance systems.
The planned summons comes amid national attention surrounding the contempt matter currently before the Supreme Court, where Prophet Key has been cited to show cause over alleged public remarks directed at the Chief Justice and members of the Bench.
Traditional leaders in Nimba said their inquiry would not interfere with judicial proceedings but would focus on whether Prophet Key’s conduct aligns with the standards expected of individuals who hold or claim traditional titles.
“This is not about undermining the court,” Gbaylia said. “The courts will do their work. But as custodians of culture, we have a responsibility to review matters that affect the dignity of our traditions.”
According to the elders, the formal invitation will be conveyed through the Paramount Chief of Doe Chiefdom. Zayglay Town is widely regarded as the apex traditional authority in Nimba County, where serious customary matters are addressed.
Chief Zoe Saye Papa said the council had received complaints from community members and traditional stakeholders who believe Prophet Key’s public statements were inconsistent with customary expectations of respect and discipline.
“When someone carries a traditional title, that person represents the people,” he said. “Tradition requires discipline, respect and responsibility.”
The elders indicated that the hearing would provide Prophet Key an opportunity to respond to the concerns and allow the council to determine whether any customary measures are warranted.
No specific date has been announced for the appearance.In Liberia, customary institutions coexist alongside the formal judicial system. While the Constitution establishes the authority of statutory courts, traditional councils retain influence in matters of culture, community governance and the regulation of traditional leadership structures.
Legal analysts note that customary proceedings cannot overturn or substitute for court judgments but may address issues of moral standing and traditional discipline within communities.
The Nimba elders stressed that their action is intended to preserve harmony and uphold cultural standards, not to create conflict with state institutions.
“We want calm and respect for due process,” Gbaylia said during the broadcast.
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