Gbarnga, Bong County – The family of the late Liberian statesman David T. Kuyon has threatened legal action against the Bong County Administration, accusing it of the illegal occupation and continued unauthorized use of land housing the David T. Kuyon Sports Stadium.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
In a formal complaint submitted to the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) on September 2, 2025, the Kuyon family, through estate administrator Delano M. Kuyon, requested an immediate investigation into what it describes as a longstanding violation of private property rights.
According to the family, the land on which the stadium is built is covered by a Public Land Sale Deed dated March 20, 1956, signed by then-President William V.S. Tubman, which legally transferred ownership to David T. Kuyon.
Despite this legal documentation, the family claims that Bong County authorities have used the property for decades without proper authorization and have failed to respond to repeated efforts to formalize an agreement.
The latest effort came on August 18, 2025, when the Kuyon family submitted a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris. The proposed agreement outlined terms for shared management of the stadium, including a revenue-sharing arrangement under which 80 percent of net income would go to the county and 20 percent to the family.
According to the family, the MoU also required prior family consent for any structural changes, usage modifications, or expansions. However, they say the superintendent’s office has failed to acknowledge the proposal or initiate discussions, leaving the family no choice but to consider legal action.
Delano M. Kuyon said the family is not opposed to the development or public use of the stadium but is demanding that such development occur lawfully and with respect for their rights as landowners. The family argues that it has exhausted all avenues of communication and negotiation over the years with no substantive results.
Supporting documents submitted to the LLA include the 1956 land deed and Letters of Administration issued by the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Bong County in February 2025. These letters legally appoint Estelle K. Liberty and Delano M. Kuyon as administrators of the late David T. Kuyon’s intestate estate.
In court proceedings, both administrators affirmed that their aim is to preserve the estate and prevent further unauthorized use of the property.
The family’s frustration stretches back to the late 1980s when Bong County officials reportedly proposed a land swap, offering government property located at the present-day Monrovia Parking and Kwatekeh Radio Station in exchange for the stadium land. The proposal was never finalized, largely due to the instability and repressive environment under the Samuel Doe regime.
In 2011, Bismarck M. Kuyon and Delano M. Kuyon met with then Superintendent Selena Mappy, who advised them to submit a formal letter outlining their claims. The family did so but says the matter was never acted upon. During the tenure of Superintendent Esther Walker, the family again raised its concerns and warned against leasing the property to FIFA or any outside party. Yet no formal agreement was reached.
The stadium continues to bear the name of David T. Kuyon in recognition of his contributions to Bong County, but the family says it has been sidelined from all decisions related to the facility’s management and that revenue generated from events held at the stadium has not been used in the public interest. Instead, the family alleges, those funds are being handled internally with little to no transparency or public accountability.
In a statement accompanying the complaint, the Kuyon family emphasized that their stance is not about halting public development but ensuring that it takes place on a legal and collaborative foundation. They noted that their record demonstrates a consistent willingness to support the county’s development goals through land donations.
Among the key donations cited by the family are the parcel of land now known as the Telecom Community, which currently hosts Radio Gbarnga, Super Bongese, and the Telecom Tower. The family also donated land for the establishment of the Sugar Market and the Bong County Women’s Center, both of which have become central to local commerce and community support.
“These donations reflect our family’s deep commitment to the county’s development,” said Delano M. Kuyon. “But goodwill must not be mistaken for weakness. Our family has always been ready to partner with the county, not to be exploited by it.”
Legal representation for the estate is being provided by Attorney L. Jefferson Blackie, who confirmed that the family is prepared to pursue legal action if Bong County continues to disregard their claims. Blackie stated that a formal lawsuit is being prepared and will be filed if there is no positive response from county authorities.
The family has called on the Liberia Land Authority to verify the validity of their land documents and take necessary actions to address what they term as ongoing encroachment by the county. They insist that unless the county formally recognizes their ownership and implements the MoU, they will seek full legal redress.
The Kuyon family maintains that they are not opposed to public use of the stadium but stress that the county must acknowledge their ownership, respect their stake in its management, and enter into a binding agreement based on law and mutual respect.
Efforts to get to Superintendent Norris was unsuccessful as her phone rang unanswered.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
