Kô-lù-beh often pronounced as “Kolubah” linguistically derives from the Lorma spoken tribe (my tribe), which when translated in English, means, “devil messenger.”
While growing up in Salayea and Zorzor, I came across this name during traditional rites (Poro) and/or festive seasons. In Lorma, to be given this name, means you must have passed through extreme cultural and traditional disciplines, and must possess an attribute of “uncommon bravery.” This is not just a name, but also, a title of superiority in the Lorma’s kingdom.
The role of a kolubeh is to announce the arrival of a village devil (masquerade) and inform the villagers to get indoor (often females, children and those who are not part of the tradition).
Someone like Kolubeh, is often respected and celebrated in highly traditional settings. In the context of Yekeh’s, it’s easier for a Yekeh Kolubah to communicate to the locals to buy-in his message than any ordinary person. This is because Kolubah, as earlier intimated, has been traditionally cooked in the stream of blood and animal sacrifices. This is not skill, not even a special political training; it is the result of being reborn by the devil. Wonder why, Kolubah may not often make some critical sense in areas of legislative policy and governance, but has been powerful to maintain his name and political presence? Think of it! Even wonder why Kolubah goes to Nimba (not Dan/Gio settlement), and still seems to be in his home town, or when he’s in Bong County, it appears he’s with the “Lormas?” This is how far tradition has brought this guy!
Kolubah In 2023 Political Context:
When Unity Party (UP) was vying for the presidency, they did not just rely on political propaganda, as assumed to be their primary campaign strategy, they needed someone who could fit the traditional dimensions, and connect the dots regardless of his/her tribe. Yes, Yekeh fits in exactly. In fact, Yekeh became a powerful figure in UP’s success in terms of translating complex campaign messages into common sense. It may have sounded childish or rude, but that’s Kolubah for us, who know him for real. As the house have made a critical decision effectuating the expulsion of Yekeh Y. Kolubah for his harsh tone in the Guinea-Liberia land dispute, I am reminded to believe that two things may happen to Kolubah: 1) increased popularity to promote his opposing views, maintaining his relevance and 2), a come back to the legislature through the Supreme Court or the electorates (if there should be bi-election).
The 55th Legislature did not just expel Yekeh, but a ‘devil messenger love by the devil’s worshipers.’