A contentious land dispute surrounding an ongoing construction project near the farm of former President Charles Ghankay Taylor, has reached the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Bong County.
The contention has set the stage for a legal battle over property rights and administrative authority.
The case was brought before the court through a petition for summary proceedings filed by John Alvin Blackie and Moses T. Stubblefield against Bong County Land Administrator, Amelia Cassell Massaquoi.
The petitioners have challenged a stop-work order issued against their construction project, which they claim was imposed without lawful authority.
According to court documents, Blackie and Stubblefield have claimed legitimate ownership to the disputed property.
The duo had carried out construction activities when the Land Administrator intervened following a complaint reportedly lodged by Ernest Cassell over ownership of the land.
The petitioners contend that the Land Administrator acted beyond the scope of her authority when she ordered the construction to cease before the matter had been adjudicated by a competent court.
They further allege that despite requests, they were never provided a copy of the complaint that triggered the administrative action.
In their petition, the two men claim that officials entered the construction site and posted notices with the inscription: “STOP WORK, LLA.”
They also alleged that construction materials and equipment were removed from the site, resulting in delays and financial setbacks.
Blackie and Stubblefield argue that disputes over land ownership are matters reserved for judicial determination, and should not be settled through administrative directives.
They maintain that the actions taken against their project have caused “unnecessary disruption and economic losses.”
The petitioners have asked the court to immediately lift the stop-work order; return of all seized materials and equipment, and restrain any future interference with the property unless directed by the court.
They are also seeking a ruling requiring any competing claimant to pursue the matter through the legal system.
As legal proceedings begin, attention is focused on the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, whose decision could have significant implications for property rights and land administration in the county.
The court has not yet ruled on the petition, and all allegations remain unproven pending judicial review.
