Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The weeklong funeral of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson has officially commenced, drawing mixed reactions from the public. On Monday morning, the body of the controversial Nimba County senator was taken from the Samuel Stryker Funeral Home and transported along Tubman Boulevard in a grand procession of mourners and supporters.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
At the Monrovia City Hall, members of the 55th Legislature joined the cortege, walking alongside the hearse carrying a transparent casket that allowed the public to view the senator one last time.
State Funeral at the Capitol
The state funeral was held in front of the Capitol Building instead of the rotunda, which traditionally hosts major state events, due to damage caused by a recent fire.
Vice President Jeremiah Koung paid an emotional tribute, describing the late senator as the foundation of his political career. He recounted how Johnson supported him from his election as Representative of Nimba District 1 in 2011, to his re-election in 2017, his senatorial bid in 2020, and his eventual election as Vice President in 2023.
VP Jeremiah Koung Eulogizes fallen Senator PYJ at state funeral. Part 1
VP Jeremiah Koung Eulogizes fallen Senator PYJ at state funeral. Part 2
“If it wasn’t for him, I would not have reached here,” Koung stated, highlighting the late senator’s pivotal role in shaping his political journey.
Senator Gbleh Bo Brown of Maryland County also paid tribute on behalf of the Liberian Senate, acknowledging Johnson’s significant roles, including Chair of the Committees on Defense, National Security, and Veterans Affairs, and Internal Affairs. He lauded Johnson’s contributions to Liberia’s representation at the ECOWAS Parliament, where he served with distinction.
Addressing Johnson’s family, Senator Brown said: “Madam Johnson, we held your husband in high esteem. Among us, he was the doyen of the Senate. For his age and experience, his counsel was always sought.”
He called on VP Koung to shoulder the responsibility to look after the family. He said:” Your excellency, the Vice president we watch and see you. The Liberian Senate is saying the widow and their children need direction. The people of Nimba are weeping and mourning; they need leadership. The rest of the country is looking at you. Provide leadership. Yes, you will continue to cry but at this moment, we ask you to take heart, and provide the leadership that we so need.”
Nimba Legislative Caucus Pays Tribute
The Nimba Legislative Caucus described the late senator as the “arrowhead” of their delegation and the county’s leader. Senator Nyan D. Twayen, speaking on behalf of the caucus, vowed to uphold Johnson’s legacy, particularly in education, and promised unwavering support to his family.
The Nimba Legislative Caucus lost its arrow head. The people of Nimba have lost their leader. He thought us a lesson that county goes beyond everything, that the county is supreme beyond anything… To Mrs. Johnson and the family, we will be with you till the end. We are with you, and we will do everything possible to uphold the legacy of our Senator in the education sector.
Senator Nyan D. Twayen, Nimba Legislative Caucus
Sermon Reflects on Life and Legacy
The Acting Chaplain of the Liberian Senate, Rev. Sagacious A. Jallah, delivered a sermon titled “Escape for Your Life” based on Deuteronomy 30:19. He likened Johnson’s life to that of Apostle Paul, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the importance of living a purposeful life.
Liberian Senate pays tribute to late Senator Prince Y. Johnson. Part 1
Liberia Senate pays tribute to late Senator Prince Johnson. Part 2
“Paul’s life was a testament to the power of transformation. No matter what mistakes you’ve made, it’s never too late to embrace a life in Christ,” Rev. Jallah said.
A Polarizing Legacy
Senator Prince Y. Johnson leaves behind a legacy that divides opinions. He rose to prominence during Liberia’s civil war as leader of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). He is infamously remembered for the capture and execution of President Samuel Kanyon Doe in 1990, a moment that remains one of the most controversial episodes of the war.
In his post-war political career, Johnson became the longest-serving senator in Liberia’s history and a revered figure in his native Nimba County, where he was hailed as a liberator. However, his legacy is marred by allegations of war crimes and his contentious role during the conflict.
“Nobody will ever have this kind of funeral. This shows the world, including the USA, how great this man was. He protected the people of Nimba County when they were hunted,” wrote Nassar Ahmed Jabet on Facebook.
PYJ didn’t leave any legacy… [He] killed the president and got elected into the parliament and never did anything to help the country they once ravaged cuz [because] of greed.
Delgado Espaccio Clarke
Ma Kula Son added: “Prince Johnson was a great Liberian citizen and a man of God. Only people who are low level will not give him his flowers. The war is behind us and before the war he was a great soldier who served our country and was a wonderful Senator of Nimba county for nearly 20 years.”
However, not everyone agreed. One of them is Delgado Espaccio Clarke. “PYJ didn’t leave any legacy… [He] killed the president and got elected into the parliament and never did anything to help the country they once ravaged cuz [because] of greed,” Clarke said.
Weeklong Funeral Ceremonies
The funeral began on Monday with the signing of a book of condolence at the Capitol Building. The senator’s body lay in state for public viewing before being taken to his Christ Chapel of Faith Church in Paynesville night of wake keeping. The body is expected to be taken to Nimba County for additional rites and burial later this week in Ganta.
Senator Johnson’s unexpected death on November 28, 2024, shocked the nation. Family sources said he collapsed in his room and was pronounced dead at a clinic in Paynesville. His death marks the end of an era for one of Liberia’s most controversial and influential figures.
Francis Boayue contributed to this story.
