A delegation of Brifor elders, led by their Council Chairman Thomas Bebeh Sennor and accompanied by Tandawura Alhaji Mohammed Amin, a sub-chief of the Wasipe Traditional Area and member of the Savannah Regional Peace Council, have sought forgiveness from the Gonja people at Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso palace in Bole.
Speaking for the Brifor community, Bebeh Sennor characterized the conflict as a tragic and regrettable chapter in Brifor-Gonja relations. He attributed the violence to some young Brifors’ who lack understanding of traditional customs and land arrangements between Gonjas and Brifors.
Bebeh Sennor appealed to the Bolewura for forgiveness and requested that he lead a delegation to the Yagbonwura to facilitate reconciliation and restore peace between the two communities.
Listen to an audio below of what the Brifor Council of Elders Chairman said at Bolewura’s Palace
(Cue Audio of Bebeh Sennor Brifor Council of Elders Chairman)
However, Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso (I) respectfully rejected the apology and symbolic gifts, explaining that his authority is derived from the Yagbonwura and that he cannot accept an apology without the Overlord’s consent.
“I cannot take your apology. If the Yagbonwura accepts your apology, then that acceptance will also be mine, because I am his son,” the Bolewura stated, emphasizing the importance of respecting traditional hierarchy.
The Paramount Chief provided historical context for Brifor settlement in Gonjaland, noting that they were granted permission to settle during the reign of Yagbonwura Mahama Dagbonga.
The Bolewura expressed disappointment with the conduct of some Brifor youth, stating they have “deviated from traditional values.”
In a move toward reconciliation, the Bolewura appointed three of his sub-chiefs to accompany the Brifor Council of Elders to the Jakpa Palace to formally present their apology to the Yagbonwura.
The conflict between Gonjas and Brifors claimed lives, destroyed property, and displaced thousands of people.
