A dispute has emerged within the Machinjiri chieftaincy in Blantyre after the elevation of Andrew from Group Village Head to Traditional Authority (TA), with members of the royal family seeking court intervention to reverse the decision.
The family claims the appointment, allegedly influenced by a Lhomwe chief, did not follow Yao customary procedures for succession.
Royal family representative Matthews Frazildo said Andrew bypassed key traditional stages required before one can become a TA.
“It is impossible for a Group Village Head to become a TA directly. One has to first be elevated to Sub TA or Senior Group Village Head,” said Frazildo.
The family has since obtained an injunction stopping Andrew from exercising TA powers pending court determination and wants him reverted to Group Village Head.
Frazildo dismissed claims the dispute is tribal, saying the issue is about following customary procedures.
Meanwhile, members of the Machinjiri clan have appealed to Paramount Chief Kawinga, the Yao Chief Council, Chiwanja Cha Ayao and Senior Chief Machinjiri to intervene.
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