With A Strong Charge On Rule Of Law & Land Rights, As She Opens The February Term Of Court In Margibi County
PHOTO: Judge Victoria Wolobah Duncan
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
KAKATA, Liberia–The Honorable Victoria Worlobah Duncan, Resident Circuit Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, officially opened the February Term of Court, A.D. 2026 today, Monday, February 9, 2026, with a powerful charge on the theme: “Holding Up the Rule of Law, A Hallmark for Peace.”
The formal court opening ceremony was attended by county officials, including Superintendent, OJ God Favor Morris, Kakata City Mayor, Gbarngawoe E. Seyboe, Magistrates, members of the Margibi Bar Association (MBA), heads of concessions and organizations, clerics, ordinary citizens and the media.
In her charge, Judge Duncan underscored the court’s solemn role as the guardian of justice and the bedrock of societal peace.
“This court is not merely a place of judgment but a sanctuary where the rule of law stands above all else,” Judge Duncan declared. “It is a sanctuary that resolves disputes, upholds justice, protects rights, and ensures the dignity of every citizen is respected.”
Land conflicts: a primary challenge
The Judge identified land conflicts as one of the most pressing challenges facing the county and the nation.
“Land is the source of livelihood, heritage, and identity. Yet, disputes over land ownership and use often lead to division, insecurity, and even violence,” she stated.
She affirmed the court’s commitment to applying the Land Rights Act of 2018 and related property laws with fairness and clarity to ensure peace prevails. Judge Duncan emphasized the Act’s core principles: the inviolability of private ownership subject to due process, the equal protection of customary land rights, and the government’s duty to hold public lands in trust for all citizens.
“No person, company, or authority may seize land without lawful process and the consent of rightful owners,” she asserted. “Justice in land matters must be strict, fair, and transparent. Justice delayed is justice denied, and when justice is denied, peace is destroyed.”
New Directives for Land Deed Probate
Issuing specific directives to curb fraudulent practices, Judge Duncan announced stringent new requirements for the probate of deeds. Effective immediately, all grantees must present updated Letters of Administration and the Court’s Decree of Sale from their grantors for Administrative Deeds. For Warranty Deeds, a carbon copy of the Grantor’s Deed is mandatory.
Furthermore, she mandated that all deeds must be verified by the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) before probate. Starting in March, grantees must also attach a carbon copy of the grantor’s tax clearance to the deed package before it can be signed and probated by the court.
Judge Duncan clarified, “The Court is responsible for probate, not registration; for that purpose, register at the Liberia Land Authority.”
A broader mandate Crime, Corruption, and Civic Duty
Beyond land disputes, Judge Duncan charged the court to confront other threats to societal harmony, including crime and insecurity, corruption that erodes institutional trust, and the negligence of civil duty which weakens the bond of accountability between citizens and the state.
Charge to court Officers, Lawyers and Citizens
As the term begins, Judge Duncan issued clear charges to all officers of the court, including the Jury Management Team, to conduct themselves with the highest integrity and impartiality. She charged members of the Liberian Bar to advocate with honesty and unwavering respect for the law.
She also urged citizens to seek justice through lawful means, firmly rejecting violence and disrespect toward the court and its officers, warning that such conduct would not be tolerated.
“This Court is ready to hear cases, weigh evidence, and render decisions reflecting both the letter of the law and the spirit of fairness,” Judge Duncan concluded. “May our work this term strengthen the rule of law, protect property rights, and restore harmony in our county.”
In separate remarks, Margibi County Superintendent, OJ God Favor Morris challenged Magistrates to promote peace over injustices.
Supt. Morris further called on juniors representing the February Term of Court especially at the 13 Judicial Circuit court to seek justice adding, ” Liberia Depends on you for her peace and sustainability, that’s why this government is doing all it can to uphold the peace of our Country,” he added.
“Your Honor, why it’s true that we support the Rule of Law and Land Rights for all Citizens in Liberia, we also recommend looking into the issue of the Huge chargers of survey by the LLA. The surveyors sometimes charged about $US 1,500.00 or more,” Atty. Deddeh Wilson claimed.