Last Updated on June 10, 2025 by The Liberian Investigator
MONROVIA, Liberia — The family of the late former First Lady Nancy B. Doe is accusing her daughter, Veronica Mamie Doe, of disrespect and division after she rejected traditional condolence gifts from former President George Manneh Weah.
The former president, on Sunday, June 8, offered two cows, 50 bags of rice, and $5,000 as a traditional expression of sympathy to the grieving family. Veronica, the late First Lady’s eldest daughter, declined the gesture—calling it offensive to her mother’s memory.
Custom Collides with Controversy
During the condolence visit, which included former government officials and elders from Grand Gedeh County, Weah was welcomed as “Nancy’s first son” and asked to fulfill traditional obligations by offering livestock for funeral rites in both Zwedru and Monrovia.
A Doe family elder kneels before former President George Weah, urging him to uphold traditional customs by offering livestock and support for the funeral of the late former First Lady Nancy B. Doe.
“Thank you for coming,” an elderly relative told Weah as she knelt, touching the floor in reverence. “When your first son comes after your death, we kill cows. Kill one for Zwedru, and one here in Monrovia.”
Weah agreed to the request, stating, “It’s a tradition. The two cows will be brought here.” He handed over an envelope with a monetary token and promised to follow up with the rest of the offerings.
Veronica Rejects the Gifts
However, Veronica Doe refused the offerings, saying they were arranged without her approval and disrespected her mother’s legacy.
“I thought it was offensive for my mother,” she told reporters. “She was not a liar, and we will not bury her as such.”
She also accused Liberia’s Ambassador to the European Union, Isaac Nyenabo, of mishandling the process by accepting the gifts without her consent.
“I spoke to the ambassador that I wasn’t happy about it. He said he would handle it. This morning, he hadn’t, so I personally ensured it was returned,” Veronica said. “I have the final say. I’m the one who cared for my mother, and I’ve consulted my siblings. We are on the same page.”
Doe family member confronts Veronica Mamie Doe, accusing her of disrespecting tradition and dividing the family by rejecting condolence offerings from ex-President George Weah.
Fallout Within the Family
Veronica’s decision angered several family members, some of whom are now threatening to boycott the funeral.
“Nobody will come here. Your one [You alone] will bury your Ma,” one family member said angrily. “If it were up to me, no one from the family would come near this residence.”
Women representing Grand Gedeh County also condemned Veronica’s stance, emphasizing the importance of unity and tradition.
“Grand Gedeh people have one voice. We don’t divide,” a spokeswoman said. “Mamie Doe is our daughter, yes, but she should have consulted the family first. The gifts came from our son.”
During the visit, Weah clarified that he was not initially aware of the funeral arrangements until Ambassador Nyenabo contacted him.
“I want to give y’all the maximum respect,” he said. “But I want y’all to excuse me because I was traveling before Nyenabo told me that I had to come to this mat.”
While the former president’s remarks appeared heartfelt, Veronica took offense, saying it implied Weah needed to be reminded of his relationship to the Doe family.
The late Nancy B. Doe, widow of slain President Samuel Kanyon Doe, served as First Lady during a tumultuous period in Liberian history.
Discussion about this post