GBLOLOBO, Maryland County — The Liberia Land Authority (LLA), in collaboration with civil society organizations, human rights institutions, and media representatives, has successfully conducted an exercise to identify the traditional boundary between the Pleebo and Gbolobo clans in Pleebo-Sodoken District, Maryland County.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr.
The exercise, held on March 14 was carried out under Article 8.1 of the 2016 LLA Act, which outlines the Authority’s functions and powers in addressing land-related matters.
The initiative was spearheaded by Maryland County Acting Land Administrator Jonah Wreh Segbe, following a formal complaint from the leadership of the Gbolobo Clan.
The complaint alleged that a private structure had been constructed on tribal land without the consent of clan authorities.
In response, the LLA invited both parties to a preliminary conference at the Maryland County Land Office to review the complaint and initiate discussions.
During the meeting, the property owner maintained that the structure was erected on a wetland and that his occupancy had previously been supported by city authorities under squatter rights.
He further argued that the land falls within the jurisdiction of Pleebo City rather than the traditional territory claimed by the Gbolobo Clan.
As part of its investigative process, the LLA organized a technical site visit involving chiefs and elders of both clans, Pleebo City officials, civil society actors, media personnel and human rights observers. During the visit, representatives of both clans outlined their respective traditional boundaries based on customary and historical accounts.
Preliminary findings from the exercise indicated that the disputed structure is located within land recognized by the Gbolobo Clan as part of its traditional territory.
Meanwhile, Pleebo City authorities clarified during the site engagement that the official city boundary extends beyond the traditional limits described by the clans, encompassing hundreds of privately owned properties outside the identified tribal boundary.
Concerns regarding ownership of land within the Gbolobo area were also discussed, with clan elders acknowledging that portions of the land had been sold to private individuals—an assertion that aligns with the city authority’s position.
Speaking at the conclusion of the day-long exercise, Acting Land Administrator Segbe stated that the initial phase—focused on documenting and verifying the traditional boundary—had been successfully completed.
He noted that the next phase will involve a stakeholders’ meeting between Pleebo City officials and Gbolobo Clan representatives to establish a clearer understanding of city limits in relation to customary land boundaries.
He added that following these engagements, the LLA Maryland County Land Office will make a final determination in line with its statutory mandate.
The exercise underscores ongoing efforts to harmonize customary land ownership with formal urban governance frameworks, aimed at reducing land disputes and promoting clarity in land administration across Maryland County.
The process brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, human rights representatives, and residents of both clans, who witnessed the proceedings.
