A civil society organization, the Grassroot Liberation Movement (GLM), has raised fresh concerns over the citizenship status of Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Ishola Raji, urging the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) to investigate the matter.
Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia, GLM Executive Director Sam D. Gegeh said the group had assembled “to present our perspective and opinion regarding the citizenship status of the current President of the Liberia Football Association.” He noted that questions persist about whether Mr. Raji is a Liberian citizen, stressing that the issue carries serious implications for national institutions and leadership credibility.
Gegeh recalled that similar concerns were raised five months ago by the Student Unification Party (SUP) but said those claims have not been conclusively addressed. “Therefore, we believe that now is the appropriate time for the Liberia Immigration Service to conduct a thorough investigation into the citizenship status of the LFA President,” he stated.
The Liberia Immigration Service, formerly known as the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, was established in 1956 to enforce immigration laws, regulate migration, and protect national borders. Operating under the Ministry of Justice, the LIS functions as a paramilitary institution tasked with managing Liberia’s land, air, and sea borders, regulating the movement of non-Liberians, and issuing residence permits in accordance with the law.
GLM emphasized that the Justice Ministry should take charge of the matter, reaffirming its confidence in the competence and professionalism of LIS Commissioner Elijah Rufus. “We trust that the institution will take the necessary steps to launch a proper investigation into this matter in the interest of transparency, accountability, and respect for the laws of Liberia,” Gegeh said.
The group argued that clarifying Mr. Raji’s citizenship would strengthen public confidence in national institutions and ensure that laws governing citizenship and leadership positions are respected. “We believe that addressing this issue will reinforce the integrity of our governance systems and safeguard the credibility of organizations entrusted with national prestige, such as the Liberia Football Association,” the statement added.
Mr. Raji, who has led the LFA since 2018, has not publicly responded to the latest allegations. The LFA itself has yet to issue a statement regarding the concerns raised by GLM. The controversy comes at a time when the association is preparing for key football programs and international engagements, making the question of its leadership’s legitimacy particularly sensitive.
Observers note that citizenship disputes have historically stirred political and institutional debates in Liberia, often touching on broader issues of national identity, legal enforcement, and public trust. Whether the LIS will act on the latest call remains to be seen, but civil society groups insist that a transparent probe is essential to uphold the rule of law.
