Over Ojeh Secret Society in Samu Chiefdom…
Kelfalah Conteh Escape Tradition Rituals
It was full of drama when elders from Mayelie Village, Samu Chiefdom, Kambia District organized themselves to initiate one of their son (Kelfalah Conteh) unknowingly into the Ojeh secret society.
It was alleged that Kelfalah who stayed in his village (Mayelie Village) with his Uncle and other relatives was forced to be initiated into the secret society, a society that is known for cruelty. The plan was well Executed and those involve include Kelfalah’s Uncle, a senior member of the Ojeh Secret society for men in northern Sierra Leone.
Information reveals that Kelfalah was skilfully lured into the scheme and moved into the society bush for immediate initiation.
While they were busy with the initiation process and getting ready for the ceremony at night, (Kelfalah Conteh) also plan his escape.
Report say, while they were taken to a nearby, stream for the washing of their feet, Kelfalah was able to escape from the hands of his initiators.
Kelfalah’s escape created chaos and confusion within that extended to the village, prompting chiefdom authorities into a desperate mood in search of the escapee. Sources also reveals that both the Uncle and some other relatives have been blamed for his escape.
As it is, most young men have died as a result of rigorous rituals that is done during initiation, especially young men and boys initiated against their will.
A relative who spoke to this medium said, Kelfalah Conteh was supposed to over the position of his father in the Ojeh secret society. Accordingly, the father, Alhasan Conteh is a senior Agba and in line with the customs and tradition, there could be a successor.
Eyewitness, Abu Bakarr Conteh also confirmed that since other young men have died during initiation, this might have led the young man to flee his village and country as a result.
Other members of the society are also in search of Kelfalah as customs and tradition demands. Human right defenders including Civil Society Organizations continue to call on authorities to put a stop on forceful initiation but it has yielded no fruit.
