A dispute over free movement and road safety brought the village chief of Niaprahio, Drogba Albert Zézé , before the court in Gagnoa. He appeared following a complaint filed by Colette Pellaud Lakpé , an executive and native of the village, after the dismantling of a barrier.

The origin of the conflict: a barrier erected without consultation

The case, examined on Wednesday, November 18, 2025, originated from the unilateral installation of a barrier on the main artery of the village by Ms. Pellaud Lakpé on November 3, 2025. Chief Drogba Albert Zézé and the people had not been informed of this initiative.

Three days later, acting on the chief's orders and in the face of village protests, the barrier was removed. This removal, carried out without notifying Ms. Pellaud Lakpé, immediately led to her filing a lawsuit.

🗣️ The arguments of the protagonists in court

Before the presiding judge, Akesse Boniface, both parties presented their reasons.

Chief Albert Zézé Drogba justified his action by citing the right to free movement:

"The main road through the village has just been closed. The only road everyone uses. [...] The villagers repeatedly complained that the barrier prevented the free movement of people and goods. So I asked for the barrier to be removed."

He also stated that he had alerted the sub-prefect to the situation, who had requested the intervention of the commissioner for a report, a step which had not been completed in time.

Ms. Colette Pellaud Lakpé , for her part, defended a motivation focused on security and local development:

1. The barrier was intended to prevent large trucks, considered dangerous for children, from crossing .
2. She wanted to limit the dust produced by the machinery on the 240-meter section that she personally financed to be paved .
3. The purpose of this paving was to protect the integrity of the statue of the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Peace that she had erected, as well as to facilitate access to this place of worship.

"The barrier addresses a security concern," she insisted.

🧑‍⚖️ A lawyer serving the people and a referral

After hearing from both sides, the presiding judge acted as an advisor, reminding them of the legal principles they both appeared to have neglected or chosen to ignore in their handling of the conflict. The case was adjourned until December 2nd .

Also of note was the presence of Serge Ouraga , a lawyer at the Ivory Coast bar and a native of Guiberoua. Voluntarily serving the people of his region, he chose to defend Chief Drogba Albert Zézé.

Mr. Ouraga has already distinguished himself by defending a dozen young people from Guiberoua who were imprisoned after demonstrations in October 2025, securing their release. His pleading and pertinent questions to the chief prosecutor helped to structure the defense.

“I remain at the disposal of the people of Guiberoua, who are a priority for me,” stated Mr. Serge Ouraga.