Pastor, traditional leader sentenced as Yambio court issues stern warning

Court says the two individuals violated regulations established through an agreement between three leadership institutions: the Church, the state government and the Kingdom leadership.

By Emmanuel Mandella

A court in Yambio has sentenced a pastor and a traditional sub-chief to prison over violations of community funeral regulations, in a ruling that places accountability among religious and local leaders at the centre of efforts to enforce agreed community laws.

The C. Court in Yambio sentenced Pastor Anthony, who is in charge of St. Martin Nabagu Parish, to eight months in prison for allowing music to be played during a funeral ceremony, contrary to Article 17 of regulations jointly agreed upon by church leaders, the state government and traditional authorities.

In a separate ruling, Ueko Badri, Sub-Chief of Akorogbodi 2, received a four-month prison sentence for failing to implement and enforce the regulations within his area of jurisdiction. The court also suspended him from performing his duties for two months.

The sentences highlight the expectation that leaders responsible for promoting and enforcing community regulations must also be held accountable when they fail to observe them.

Speaking to the media, Aniye Michael, Payam Chief and Deputy Paramount Chief of the C. Court, said the two individuals had violated regulations established through an agreement involving three leadership institutions: the Church, the state government and the Kingdom leadership.

Aniye said the court’s action was intended to prevent further violations and demonstrate that the regulations apply to everyone, regardless of their position.

“The law started with the Church and local leaders. It is not acceptable for the same people who came out with the law to be the ones violating it,” Aniye said.

He stressed that leaders should set an example by observing the rules they are expected to promote among members of the community.

The case involves two different forms of alleged failure: the pastor was punished for allowing an activity prohibited under the funeral regulations, while the sub-chief was sentenced for failing to enforce the agreed rules in his area.

Their sentences raise a broader question of leadership responsibility in implementing community agreements, particularly where religious and traditional authorities are expected to work together to maintain public discipline.

The funeral regulations were introduced through an agreement among religious institutions, government authorities and traditional leaders several months ago. Article 17 prohibits the playing of music during funeral ceremonies.

According to the information provided and seen by The City Review, Pastor Anthony’s violation occurred during the funeral of a pastor who died last week. The sub-chief’s punishment was linked to his failure to ensure enforcement of the regulations within his jurisdiction.

Aniye maintained that implementation would continue without discrimination or favouritism against anyone found violating the agreed rules.

The ruling comes as a reminder that community regulations cannot depend solely on public announcements or the authority of those who introduce them. Their implementation also requires consistency, accountability and respect from the leaders responsible for enforcing them.

However, the court’s decision also raises questions that may require further clarification from the authorities, including the full scope of the funeral regulations, the legal basis for the penalties and whether affected individuals have access to an appeal process.

For Yambio residents, the central message from the court is that leadership does not place anyone above the rules. Those who help establish community laws are also expected to obey and enforce them.

Utilities

“The law started with the Church and local leaders. It is not acceptable for the same people who came out with the law to be the ones violating it,” said Aniye Michael, Payam Chief and Deputy Paramount Chief of the C. Court in Yambio.