The government is proceeding with plans to install Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of the Tumbuka Tribe of Rumphi, amid chieftaincy wrangles.

The succession wrangle is between the Bongololo Gondwe and Mtima Gondwe clan in which Bongololo is deemed not to be the rightful heir to the throne.

After years of disputes, last month President Lazarus Chakwera approved the installation of Bongololo Gondwe as the paramount chief following his victory in a court case over the leadership dispute.

The approval followed Bongololo Gondwe’s appointment to become the next chief by the Chikulamayembe Royal family, which is made up of 12 Royal Clan heads.

But Mtima Gondwe sympathizers petitioned Chakwera and the Ministry of Local Government to reverse the decision.

Deputy Minister of Local Government Halima Daud yesterday convened a meeting with Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe Royal Family heads, as the installation ceremony is set for April 30, 2022.

Daud has told the press that the government will proceed with the installation ceremony, as there are no chieftaincy wrangles.