Due to pressure about his credentials and worries about nepotism
Monrovia, Liberia – The son of Chief Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay of Liberia, Willeyon Y. Gbeisay, has formally resigned from his role as Associate Magistrate-Designate of the Paynesville Magisterial Court.
He resigned in response to escalating public criticism of his credentials and a growing protests from civil society organizations and legal professionals who raised issues with procedural irregularities, judicial legitimacy, and nepotism.
Willeyon Gbeisay’s decision to quit from his position has been approved by President Joseph Boakai, according to an official statement released by the Executive Mansion on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Thanking the President for the nomination, Mr. Gbeisay wrote that he wanted to concentrate on finishing his law studies at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law. He explained that he resigned in good faith in order to set the record straight and avoid drawing attention away from the larger reform initiatives that are presently taking place in the judiciary.
Mr. Gbeisay’s choice was praised by President Boakai, who congratulated him for his maturity and said it was a great example of his dedication to both professional and personal growth. According to some, the president’s decision to accept the resignation was a calculated attempt to maintain the integrity of his government in the face of growing criticism of the political choices he made.
Soon after the announcement was made public, Willeyon Gbeisay’s nomination became the subject of debate. The fact that the nominee is still in his third year of law school and has not yet earned a law degree or graduated from the James A.A. Pierre Judicial Institute, Liberia’s mandatory magistrate training program, immediately raised concerns among critics.
Judicial advocates and legal scholars questioned how such an appointment could be consistent with professionalism, meritocracy, and the rule of law.
Chief Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay openly responded to the criticism in a speech in Lofa County, defending the appointment. He strongly denied any accusations of nepotism, arguing that the President’s nomination and his proposal were both legal. The Chief Justice claims that Liberian law is silent on requirements for associate magistrates and only requires law school graduates to be stipendiary magistrates.
