This surprising encounter occurred at the funeral of the late Nimba County Senator Prince Yormie Johnson in Gompa City, Nimba County, leaving many observers stunned.
MONROVIA — In a political landscape often characterized by fierce rivalry and deep divisions, an unexpected moment of civility emerged two weeks ago between former President George Weah and one of his most vocal critics, Justin Oldpa Yeahzeahn, widely known as “Prophet Key.”
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
This surprising encounter occurred at the funeral of the late Nimba County Senator Prince Yormie Johnson in Gompa City, Nimba County, leaving many observers stunned.
For years, Prophet Key has been a constant critic of Weah, particularly during the former president’s 2023 re-election campaign. Using his social media platforms as a stage for his opposition, Prophet Key became one of Weah’s most outspoken adversaries, even going so far as to raise funds in support of Joseph Boakai’s presidential bid.
Their relationship was one of tension, fueled by public condemnations and opposing political views.
Yet, at Johnson’s funeral, a moment unfolded that neither man, nor the public, could have predicted. In a surprising twist, Prophet Key found himself engaged in a civil and even warm interaction with Weah — one that has sparked widespread conversation.
“I was sitting a few seats behind him when former President Weah got up to greet the ECOWAS representative,” Prophet Key told FrontPageAfrica in an exclusive interview. “When he looked up and saw me, he greeted me with my own catchphrase, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,’ which I use to open my podcast.”
What seemed like a simple acknowledgment soon turned into something more unexpected.
When Prophet Key asked for a photograph, the seemingly trivial request took longer than expected, as he struggled to find his phone. Despite the delay, Weah waited patiently —something Prophet Key hadn’t anticipated, given the years of public criticism he had leveled against the former president.
After a few moments, a family member of the late Johnson snapped the photo for them.“For him to wait that long, considering everything I’d said about him over the years, really surprised me,” Prophet Key recalled. “I had expected him to brush me off, but instead, he was kind and patient.”
This encounter has prompted Prophet Key to reflect on the complexity of political relationships and the often unpredictable nature of public figures in Liberia. “It made me think about how complicated things can get, even between people who have clashed publicly,” he said. “Despite our differences, this showed me that things can evolve, even when people have been bitter opponents.”
The interaction has sparked a broader debate within Liberian politics, particularly regarding the potential for reconciliation among political figures who have long been at odds. However, Weah’s gesture hasn’t been universally embraced.
Some of the former president’s supporters have voiced their disapproval. Susan Gbangaye, a staunch Weah ally living in Australia, criticized the decision to engage with Prophet Key. “By taking a picture with a man who insulted you and your family for six years, Weah is showing weakness,” she said. “If I were him, I wouldn’t have done it. Leaders should hold people accountable for their actions.”
Patience Jones, another Weah supporter, questioned the inconsistency in the former president’s behavior. “Why would he greet Prophet Key warmly but refuse to shake hands with Vice President Jeremiah Koung?” Jones asked. “Is Weah saying he can forgive Prophet Key but not the vice president?”
Despite the criticisms, some have praised Weah’s actions as a sign of political maturity. Konah Peterson, a critic of Weah, commended the gesture, noting that if Weah had been a different kind of leader, Prophet Key would have been snubbed. “But this shows that Weah is genuinely committed to reconciliation,” Peterson wrote on Facebook.
Beatrice Singbey, a Weah supporter, agreed. “This is the kind of leadership Liberia needs — someone who doesn’t hold grudges and understands the value of reconciliation,” Singbey said.
As news of the encounter spreads, many are left wondering whether it signals a new chapter for both men. Could it be the beginning of a dialogue between political figures who have spent years in opposition?
For his part, Prophet Key has expressed openness to the idea of future discussions. “If Weah ever wants to sit down and talk, I’d be willing to,” he said. “Life and politics are unpredictable, and you never know what can happen. Sometimes, things evolve in ways you can’t anticipate.”
The question now is whether this moment of civility will lead to more significant political conversations. Only time will tell, but for now, the exchange stands as a reminder of the power of respect, patience, and a willingness to move beyond the past in bridging even the deepest divides.
