By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
A land crisis has erupted in Vai Town, Bushrod Island, near central Monrovia, as two daughters of former Liberian President Charles Gankay Taylor stand accused of attempting to seize community property. The dispute, which residents describe as an “illegal takeover,” has sparked outrage, mobilized neighborhood resistance, and prompted urgent calls for government intervention.
At the center of the controversy are Ms. Charon Zally Taylor and Camile Grace Taylor, joined by their relative Julius Parker, who claim ownership of a large portion of Vai Town. The trio insists the land was purchased on May 5, 2003, during Taylor’s presidency. But community members reject the claim, arguing that the date coincides with the height of Liberia’s civil war, when Vai Town was under the control of the rebel group LURD.
Community leaders say the alleged purchase is not only implausible but also unlawful. “Nobody was buying or selling land in Vai Town during the war. The area was a battlefield,” one elder remarked. Residents accuse the Taylors and Parker of fabricating ownership rights to dispossess legitimate families who have lived in the area for generations.
The dispute escalated earlier this month when residents reported receiving survey notices dated August 3 and August 11, 2026. According to eyewitnesses, eight armed police officers accompanied surveyor MacArthur Z. Beyan and the petitioners as they attempted to plant cornerstones and demarcate the land. Community members say the move was forceful and intimidating, sparking fears of displacement.
“We categorically reject these claims. The Taylors and Julius Parker are not recognized as neighbors or property owners in this community,” residents declared in a joint statement.
To reinforce their position, the Vai Town community listed the rightful property holders, including Abraham Varmuyah Corneh III, Mohammed Abdullah Kiazolu, Sekou Deebuh Sonii, Armah Sonii, Ma. Hawa Bafalie, Abraham Manobah, and Moivee Dennis. These families, they argue, possess valid deeds and historical documentation registered under Liberian law.
Community leaders denounced the Taylor family’s claims as “false, unlawful, and designed to mislead the public.” They stressed that any attempt to occupy, survey, or sell the land constitutes trespass.
The assertion that the land was purchased in 2003 has become a flashpoint in the dispute. Residents note that Liberia was engulfed in “World War III”, the final phase of the civil conflict, making any legitimate land transaction impossible. “It was not possible for any surveyor to survey land in Vai Town at that time,” one resident emphasized.
The community has appealed to the Liberia Land Authority, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Liberia National Police to intervene immediately. They demand that authorities halt the alleged illegal activities and protect lawful property rights.
“We urge the government to act swiftly. This is not just about land; it is about justice, peace, and the rule of law,” said community spokesperson Sekou Sonii.
In a stern caution, residents warned the public, investors, and financial institutions against engaging in any transactions with the Taylors or Parker regarding the disputed land. “Anyone who does so acts at their own legal and financial risk,” the statement read.
Despite the tension, residents remain resolute. “We will defend our property through all available legal channels,” vowed Mohammed Abdullah Kiazolu, one of the recognized owners. The community insists it will not be intimidated by high-profile names or political connections.
As Vai Town braces for the next chapter in this unfolding drama, the case underscores Liberia’s broader struggle with land disputes — a legacy of war, displacement, and contested ownership that continues to destabilize communities.
For now, the residents of Vai Town stand united, determined to protect their homes and heritage against what they describe as a brazen attempt at land grabbing by the daughters of a former president.
