MISS SALONE BOARD GONE ROGUE
…Alleged Corrupt Selection, Contest-Fixing
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (Kamalo)
The credibility of the Miss Salone 2025 pageant is under serious scrutiny as tensions escalate between Pujehun District and the national organizing body, Miss Sierra Leone Limited (MSLL). At the heart of the controversy is the district’s outright rejection of the contestant chosen to represent it—amid claims of a rigged selection process, disregard for community autonomy, and selective application of rules.
District Leaders Denounce “Backroom Decision”
In a strongly-worded letter dated March 31, 2025, top traditional and political figures in Pujehun—including Paramount Chief Andrew Brima Kaikai, District Mamie Queen Madam Mamawa Kaikai, Hon. Dickson Rogers, Hon. Sidie Tunis, and Youth Chairman Mohamed Kallon—voiced their unified support for Victory Lamcess Mansaray, who they insist is the rightful winner of the official Miss Pujehun District pageant.
The letter, now public, condemns the Miss Salone Board’s decision to override Victory’s selection in favor of Mariyam Konneh, a contestant who reportedly did not participate in the district-level pageant at all. Leaders say the move reeks of favoritism and undermines community involvement.
“This is not just a case of unfairness; it’s a clear abuse of power,” said a senior Pujehun official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We followed the rules, we hosted a legitimate pageant, and we chose our winner. What happened next can only be described as betrayal.”
A Clash Over Eligibility and Ethics
According to MSLL, Victory Lamcess Mansaray should instead represent Koinadugu, her paternal district—an argument that district leaders have dismissed as arbitrary and inconsistent. Sierra Leonean custom and legal precedent allow contestants to represent either their maternal or paternal districts. Victory, they say, chose Pujehun—the home of her mother and the district where she actively engages in development work.
Victory’s supporters argue that the MSLL’s decision violates not just common sense, but the very guidelines the organization claims to uphold.
Adding to the controversy were rumors that Victory was deemed unfit due to her English proficiency. But those claims quickly unraveled when Victory addressed the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis, in fluent English during a private audience. Witnesses say the Minister was visibly impressed with Victory’s eloquence and presence.
Despite subsequent engagement with the Ministry—where officials reportedly pledged to liaise with MSLL—there has been no resolution or formal communication since April 7. Many in Pujehun believe the Board is intentionally stonewalling the issue to avoid public backlash.
Board Responds: “Setting the Record Straight”
Amid mounting criticism, Miss Sierra Leone Limited issued a public statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: Clarifying Public Misconceptions.” The release reaffirms the institution’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and international standards.
Among the key points raised by MSLL:
District Representation: Contestants must have at least one parent from the district they wish to represent.
Mandatory National Auditions: All participants—regardless of district titles—must attend official MSLL auditions to ensure merit-based selection.
Pageantry with Purpose: Every contestant must submit a “Beauty With a Purpose” project, aligning with Miss World’s global standards.
Legal and Ethical Compliance: MSLL emphasized its status as a registered institution with ties to Miss World and Miss Universe, operating under full legal and ethical frameworks.
While the statement does not name Pujehun or address Victory’s case directly, it appears to be a broad defense against recent allegations. The tone suggests that the Board views recent backlash as misinformed and potentially defamatory, urging critics to pursue grievances through formal channels rather than public outcry.
Growing Distrust and Public Backlash
However, for many in Pujehun and beyond, the statement rings hollow. Critics say it dodges the core issue: the community’s democratic choice has been overridden, and the rules seem applied only when convenient.
“This contest is becoming a symbol of everything wrong with our institutions,” said a local youth leader. “There’s no transparency, no consistency—just elitism and manipulation.”
Victory’s team has warned that continued silence from the Board will only deepen public mistrust, not just in MSLL, but in national platforms meant to empower women and showcase Sierra Leone’s cultural richness.
A Test of Integrity Ahead
With the pageant date drawing closer, all eyes remain fixed on the Miss Salone Board. Will they reverse course and honor Victory’s selection? Or will they risk irreparably damaging the credibility of a national institution?
For Pujehun, the message is clear: Mariyam Konneh is not our representative. Victory Lamcess Mansaray is. Unless that truth is recognized, many fear the 2025 pageant will go down not in glory—but in scandal.