The Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo) has filed for contempt proceedings against Minister of Local Government, Kondwani Nankhumwa, for installing Goodwin Mwase early this week as Chief Kabunduli in Nkhata Bay despite a court order stopping the coronation.
Chefo’s lawyer, Rodrick Makono, confirmed the development.
The Kabunduli chieftaincy has been under dispute for the last 11 years after son to the deceased [the newly installed Kabunduli] obtained an injunction against his father’s nephews [the Phiri family] who claim to be legitimate heirs to the throne, according to Chewa customs.
Since then the two sides have been engaged in court battles, leaving the throne in the care of Willet Phiri who yesterday accused Nankhumwa and government authorities of politicising their chieftaincy.
“Soon after they announced the installation last Monday, we went to meet the District Commissioner (DC) before proceeding to Lilongwe to meet our lawyer who had an audience with ministry officials reminding them of the court order. To our surprise, they proceeded with the installation,” he said.
“We smell a rat in this whole thing. We are Chewas though in a predominantly Tongaland and there is no way Tonga dictates should be imposed on us. No wonder, none of the Chewa chiefs in the district was present at the event,” he said.
The sentiments were shared by Chefo’s George Kanyama Phiri, who said the Phiris risk losing the chieftaincy should the Mwases be maintained on the throne.
He added that, apart from court proceedings, the heritage group intends to report the government to Kalonga Gawa Undi during the Kulamba ceremony scheduled for August 25.
“We are disappointed and are consulting chiefs. We would like his majesty, Gawaundi, to give us direction because the government has defied the court order. Nonetheless, we are also waiting to hear from the matrilineal side of the royal family,” Phiri said.
He said, as things stand, the new Kabunduli cannot associate with fellow Chewa traditional leaders at Mkayika since his installation did not follow Chewa tradition.
When contacted, Nankhumwa said in a telephone interview that he was not aware of the court order.
“Let them commence contempt of court proceedings. Otherwise, if there was any opposition, they were supposed to go to the DC who would have advised my office— as was the case with the Suza chieftaincy in Kasungu District,” Nankhumwa said.
In the court order, which we have seen, the government is advised to ensure that the succession wrangle is resolved before considering installation
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