The Supreme Court of Liberia has ruled in favor of the Bernard family estate in a long-running property dispute involving the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia.
In its latest decision, the High Court overturned a Civil Law Court ruling that had awarded sole ownership of the 4.23-acre property to Mrs. Danilette Tucker Bernard, widow of the late William Thomas Bernard. The Supreme Court emphasized that “once a marriage is dissolved by death, survivorship is extinguished, and the property reverts to the estate for probate administration.”
This ruling reaffirms the Court’s earlier judgment ordering the eviction of the CDC from the contested property, which it has occupied for nearly two decades.
CDC’s Purchase Option and Financial Hurdles
As part of the ruling, the CDC has been given priority to purchase the property for US$4.2 million. However, Acting Chairman Janga Kowo has raised concerns about the party’s ability to meet such a financial obligation, noting that the leadership will carefully review available options.
The Court further noted that the CDC’s legal arguments “lacked merit” and failed to demonstrate any interference with its earlier judgment.
A Dispute Dating Back to 2014
The Bernard estate dispute has been ongoing since 2014, with the Supreme Court first issuing an eviction order in 2016. The party has since resisted removal, citing its political presence and investments in the headquarters.
The latest ruling represents a decisive step in the protracted legal battle, leaving the CDC facing imminent eviction unless it can raise the required funds to purchase the property.
Despite the Court’s clear stance, the CDC has announced plans to appeal the decision, expressing concern over the potential impact on its operations and supporters.
