Monrovia-Friday August 15 ruling from the Supreme Court, has settled a long-running legal battle over the ownership of the 4.23 acres of land housing the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), declaring that the property belongs to the late Martha Stubblefield Bernard, and paving the way for the estate’s demand that the CDC pay US$4.2 million cash if it wants to remain on the premises.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The high court’s decision, delivered by Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard-Wolokollie, dismissed the CDC’s argument that it retained a contractual right to purchase the property under the price and conditions it had previously negotiated before an internal dispute arose among members of the Bernard family.
In its ruling, the court found that while Archibald Bernard’s mother held rights to certain other properties, the right to purchase the CDC headquarters land rested with his widow at the time of death, Martha Stubblefield Bernard, who later completed the purchase.
The verdict effectively placed the property under the control of the Intestate Estate of Mrs. Bernard, represented by its Administrator, Ebrima Varney Dempster.
Before the judgment, the estate’s legal representatives, J. Johnny Momoh & Associates wrote to CDC Acting National Chairman Janga Kowo on August 8, 2024, formally stating the purchase price and conditions.
The letter confirmed that the estate was granting the CDC first right of refusal in recognition of its current occupation of the property but stressed that the asking price is US$4.2 million, payable in cash.
The firm also disclosed that there are two other interested buyers, both church institutions, one of which already has a signed agreement to acquire the land for US$2.5 million should the CDC decline the offer.
Crucially, the legal team requested that the CDC vacate the premises while negotiations are ongoing, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling that allows for the party’s eviction if the sale is not concluded.
“Time is of the essence,” the letter warned, urging the CDC to respond without delay.
The ownership row dates back several years, stemming from disagreements within the Bernard family over who had the legal right to the property following the death of Archibald Bernard’s father.
The CDC, which had initially entered negotiations to purchase the land, became entangled in the Bernard family’s legal dispute, claiming it had the right to finalise the purchase under the original terms.
A lower court dismissed the CDC’s claim, prompting the party to appeal to the Supreme Court.
With the Supreme Court’s verdict now standing, the estate has full authority to sell the land, with the CDC given priority but under the new price and terms.
At a press conference on Thursday, August 14, CDC Acting Chairman Janga Kowo described the lower court’s decision as “a disappointing blow” but emphasised that the party would carefully review its options.
Kowo affirmed the CDC’s desire to retain its headquarters but admitted that the US$4.2 million cash requirement “poses significant financial challenges.”
“We will not be pushed out of our headquarters without exhausting every lawful remedy,” Kowo said, urging party members and supporters to remain calm and avoid speculation as leadership considers the next steps.
