WECHIAU, UPPER WEST REGION – The Wechiau Youth Association has officially broken its silence regarding the dramatic expulsion of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa West, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, and the District Chief Executive, Hon. Richard Wulo (DCE) from the Wechiau Naa’s palace last Monday, December 29, 2025.
In a strongly-worded statement, the Association detailed the reasons behind the move, citing a breakdown in trust and allegations of administrative bias.
Allegations of Bias and Disrespect
At the heart of the youth group’s grievance is a long-standing conflict between the Waala and Birifo communities, which has seen tensions escalate over the past year.
Both the MP and DCE refusal to show up at the Wechiau Naa palace to mediate peace or even sympathize with families since the recent happening while doing that at the other side
The Association claims the MP and DCE have compromised their positions as neutral leaders. Key points of the statement include:
The youth believe both the MP and DCE have abandoned neutrality and taken sides in the ongoing communal disturbances. “Both the MP and DCE refusal to show up at the Wechiau Naa palace to mediate peace or even sympathize with families since the recent happening while doing that at the other side”, the statement said.
The leaders are also accused of showing blatant disrespect toward the traditional authorities of the area, specifically the Wechiau-Naa, his divisional chiefs, and sub-chiefs.
They, however, highlighted a perceived double standard, alleging that while Hon. Peter Lanchene Tuubu successfully mediated peace between the Brifos and Gonjas in the neighbouring Savannah Region, he has ignored direct pleas from the Wechiau Naa to intervene in the “devastating situation” at home.
As a result of these grievances, the Wechiau Youth Association has declared a formal ban on both the MP and the DCE, prohibiting them from entering the Chief’s palace until further notice.
We, the youth, promise to protect our tradition, land area, and chieftaincy titles as a legacy given to us by our ancestors, and no settler should venture into this.
The statement concluded with a stern warning regarding the protection of local heritage.
“We, the youth, promise to protect our tradition, land area, and chieftaincy titles as a legacy given to us by our ancestors, and no settler should venture into this.”
The expulsion marks a significant low point in the relationship between the political leadership of Wa West and the traditional youth of Wechiau. With tensions still high, many in the district are calling for an independent mediation body to step in before the situation deteriorates further.
Good move. From my point of view, I think the MP is not doing anything to prevent further escalation in the region. He should be brought to his obligation as a leader