By Archie Boan
A standoff appears to be brewing between the Judiciary and the Legislature after members of the House of Representatives ‘falsely’ claimed they did not receive a writ from the Supreme Court.
The communication, dated April 16, 2026, came from the Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court.
It instructed House leadership, including Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, to appear before Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba for a conference.
It also directed that all actions related to the matter be put on hold until the Court makes a determination.
The issue stems from a petition for a writ of prohibition filed by Representative Kolubah against the House leadership and its officers.
The writ of prohibition is typically used to stop a public body from taking actions believed to be outside its legal authority.
What has raised eyebrows, however, is that copies of the Court’s communication show they were received and signed for at the Capitol Building. Despite this, House authorities have publicly denied receiving them.
Official Communications from the Supreme Court
Below are the communications as issued by the Clerk of the Supreme Court:
Communication 1: To the Chief Clerk, House of Representatives
“OFFICE OF THE CLERK
SUPREME COURT OF LIBERIA
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
April 16, 2026
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
Capitol Building
Monrovia, Liberia
Dear Madam Clerk:
IN RE: Hon. Yekeh Y. Kolubah, Representative of Electoral District #10, of the 55th Legislature, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia- PETITIONER
VERSUS
The House of Representatives, by and thru Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature, Hon. Thomas Fallah, Deputy Speaker, the Chief Clerk and Sergeant-At-Arm of the 55th Legislature and all those under their control, all of the City of Monrovia, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia- RESPONDENTS
PETITION FOR A WRIT OF PROHIBITION
By directive of His Honor Yussif D. Kaba, Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby cited to a conference with His Honor on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., in connection with the above-captioned case.
Meanwhile, you are ordered to stay all further proceedings and/or actions in the matter pending the outcome of the conference.
Kind regards.
Very truly yours,
Cllr. Sam Mamulu
CLERK, SUPREME COURT, R.L.
Received: Tababo A-Toe-Teb
Position: Computer Operator
Date: April 16, 2026.”
Communication 2: To the Speaker of the House
“OFFICE OF THE CLERK
SUPREME COURT OF LIBERIA
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
April 16, 2026
Honorable Richard Nagbe Koon
Speaker of the 55th Legislature
House of Representatives
Capitol Building
Monrovia, Liberia
Dear Honorable Speaker:
IN RE: Hon. Yekeh Y. Kolubah, Representative of Electoral District #10, of the 55th Legislature, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia- PETITIONER
VERSUS
The House of Representatives, by and thru Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature, Hon. Thomas Fallah, Deputy Speaker, the Chief Clerk and Sergeant-At-Arm of the 55th Legislature and all those under their control, all of the City of Monrovia, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia- RESPONDENTS
PETITION FOR A WRIT OF PROHIBITION
By directive of His Honor Yussif D. Kaba, Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby cited to a conference with His Honor on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., in connection with the above-captioned case.
Meanwhile, you are ordered to stay all further proceedings and/or actions in the matter pending the outcome of the conference.
Kind regards.
Very truly yours,
Cllr. Sam Mamulu
CLERK, SUPREME COURT, R.L.
Received: Trena Sieket
Date: April 16, 2026
Time: 1:51 PM.”
Many Liberians, including legal minds say ignoring, or denying receipt of, an order from the Supreme Court is a serious matter. At the center of the concern is respect for the rule of law and the balance of power between the branches of government.
A writ of prohibition, especially when it includes an order to stop ongoing actions, is generally expected to be obeyed immediately. Failure to do so could lead to further legal consequences, including contempt proceedings.
The conference scheduled for April 20 may be key in determining what happens next.
For now, the situation is drawing attention from civil society groups and observers who are watching closely to see how both sides respond.
