Chikulamayembe “Royal Family” Petitions Mutharika

The Chikulamayembe Royal Family has petitioned President Peter Mutharika to reinstate Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, challenging the government’s decision to remove him from the position.

The family presented the petition to Rumphi District Council on Wednesday through the district commissioner, arguing that Gondwe’s installation followed established Tumbuka cultural traditions and royal family procedures.

Speaking after delivering the petition, the family’s secretary, Jolly Gondwe, said the Chikulamayembe chieftaincy was traditionally shared on a rotational basis among royal families, contrary to the government’s position that the throne passes from a deceased chief to his son.

In its petition, the royal family said it was shocked by the government’s decision, maintaining that all necessary family procedures and historical customs were followed when Joseph Bongololo Gondwe was installed.

The family argues that Gonapamhanya, also known as Khalapamhanya, had 12 sons, from whom the 12 royal families of Chikulamayembe originated.

It maintains that the chieftaincy was traditionally shared equally among these families through a rotational system.

The royal family further argues that the government should have consulted all 12 royal families before deciding to remove Gondwe.

Government removed Joseph Bongololo Gondwe from the position on October 7, 2026, arguing that his appointment did not follow Tumbuka cultural succession practices, under which the son of a deceased chief is expected to succeed his father.

The decision effectively recognised Mtima Gondwe as the rightful heir to the paramount chieftaincy, but the latest petition signals that the dispute over the traditional leadership position remains unresolved.