The ‘alkaloship’ row has flared up again in Latrikunda Yiringana as the contesting candidates fiercely accused each other of being the problem.

The feud started eight months ago after the death of alkalo Alhagie Amadou Faal in March.

The bitter dispute was referred to the Kanifing Municipal Council for mediation.  But the municipality has asked the residents of Latrikunda to decide who they want to lead them through signature of endorsement. This will take only a week.

Suwaibu Faal, one of the contestants for the role and the youngest, blamed his opponent Pa Omar Faal.

He said: “The problem is with Omar Faal he doesn’t agree with the KMC guys, they give him the paper [and] he said he will not take it.”

“This is the second time and the KMC people told me that if you go with this document [and] bring it we are going to take it to the ministry [and] you will be appointed,” he added.

“Definitely, I know the yard owners will sign [vote] for me, they are with me 100% I know that,” he said.

But his challenger Pa Omar Faal said: “I think it’s okay but the problem hasn’t been resolved and I don’t know [why]. My position is I want everything to be done rightly. Only the traditional way, through the inheritance selection that’s all.”

Mr Faal argued that the nation’s laws didn’t say community ‘alkalorship’ be contested rather it should follow the inheritance system.  “The law didn’t say so, I don’t know [why it is being followed],” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba