CHIEF SAYS DEVELOPMENT SAYS HIS PERMISSION IS A MUST

Paramount Chief John Iro said any developments on Afio must get his approval. Photo: SIBC

The Paramount Chief of Afio in Small Malaita says development in the sub-station should not go ahead without his permission.

John Iroi told SIBC News his tribe, Abunimali, is the primary landowner of Afio, and he wants the Malaita Provincial Government to seek his permission before any development happens in the area.

Mr Iroi says he has documents proving his claim as primary landowner and the Provincial Government should respect him as Paramount Chief.

He also said that people in Afio should also understand his right and power as Paramount Chief.

SIBC News understands the Minister of Lands for Malaita Province had previously told the Solomon Star newspaper that Afio’s Perpetual Estate Title was transferred to the Premier of Malaita, and it is unlikely that the Premier will transfer the PE Title back to landowners.