In a poignant gathering, His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, along with First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, participated in a heartfelt memorial service dedicated to the late Paramount Chief Prince Lappia Boima IV. The event drew an array of attendees, including family members, mourners, past and present students from Bo School, members of the Council of Paramount Chiefs, and residents from both Kakua Chiefdom and the broader Bo District. Together, they came to pay their respects and honor the memory of a revered leader who made significant contributions to his community.
As the Chief Mourner, President Bio took a moment to reflect on the profound loss felt not just by the chiefdom but also by the entire nation. He acknowledged that this was not a time of celebration but rather a solemn occasion to commemorate the life and legacy of the late Paramount Chief. “We must praise the life well-lived by the late Paramount Chief, recognizing his dedication and selfless service to his people,” President Bio stated, emphasizing the importance of remembering the impact the chief had on those around him.
The President conveyed his deepest condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Sierra Leone to the bereaved family and the entire Kakua Chiefdom. “I want to extend our condolences and posthumous regards to our brother, father, colleague, and fellow citizen. We pray for his soul and ask that the Lord grant him eternal rest,” he said, urging mourners and sympathizers to find solace in their shared grief and to continue praying for the departed chief, the district, and the nation.
The memorial service included a First Scripture Reading delivered by Mrs. Yatta Boima, who read from the Book of James 4:13-16. This passage serves as a poignant reminder against the arrogance of assuming control over the future, stating, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’”
Reverend S.E.B. Johnson, who delivered the sermon, emphasized the importance of acknowledging God’s presence in all aspects of life. He poignantly reflected on the uncertainties of existence, noting that while the late Paramount Chief Boima had grand plans for his chiefdom, he could not have foreseen his passing. “The Scripture reminds us that there is a God who governs all things. Planning without God leads to disappointment. The late Paramount Chief never expected to die, but he lived a life of service,” Reverend Johnson said, encouraging attendees to live with loveHe also encouraged mourners to view life as a divine gift, saying, “What we do with our lives is our gift to God.”
. We must not boast in our accomplishments, but rather in the Lord.”
Family, friends, the Old Bo Boys Association (OBBA), tribal leaders, and the Council of Paramount Chiefs all paid heartfelt tributes. Each speaker painted a vivid picture of the late Paramount Chief Boima as a visionary leader who had a lasting impact on the community. He was remembered as a unifier who turned fleeting friendships into lifelong bonds, as well as a dedicated leader who recognised the importance of balancing competition and collaboration.
Born in 1970, the late Paramount Chief Boima attended Bo School and was assigned Admission Number 5932. Following his education at Njala University, he spent his early career teaching at Christ the King College. In 2009, he was overwhelmingly elected and later crowned Paramount Chief of Kakua Chiefdom, a position he held with honour and distinction until his untimely death.
As the memorial service came to a close, attendees paused to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to serving his people. In the words of President Bio, may his gentle soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy inspire future generations.
