Nominated Councilor Fallou Gallas Ceesay Jr. has firmly rejected demands from Banjul Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe to retract alleged defamatory statements and cease making further comments about her or the Banjul City Council.
In a formal reply dated February 16, 2026, Councilor Ceesay’s lawyer, Lamin J. Darbo, addressed a cease-and-desist notice previously issued by the mayor’s legal team. The response categorically denies that the councilor made any defamatory remarks against Mayor Lowe.
“My Client’s instructions [are that] he has the highest professional regard for the Banjul City Council,” Darbo wrote. “On the substantive allegations, he vehemently denies making any defamatory statement against the Lord Mayor of Banjul, Ms. Rohey Malick Lowe, and will not comply with her demands.”
The letter adds that Councilor Ceesay “is happy to meet your Client at her chosen venue,” signaling openness to dialogue despite the rejection of the demands.
The dispute stems from recent public comments by Councilor Ceesay, reportedly made during appearances on media platforms, including a current affairs program, questioning aspects of council projects—such as funding and execution—leading to accusations of corruption or financial impropriety. In a prior cease-and-desist letter, issued around early February 2026 through her lawyers at A Fatty & Co., Lowe demanded a retraction of the statements within a specified period (reportedly 14 days) and threatened legal action, including a potential defamation suit seeking damages reportedly in the range of D5 million.
Councilor Ceesay, a nominated member of the Banjul City Council, has maintained that his statements concern public accountability and transparency in the handling of council matters rather than personal attacks.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the Banjul City Council over governance, project oversight, and freedom of expression in public discourse. Some observers have framed the issue as a test of whether scrutiny of public officials constitutes defamation or legitimate oversight.
No further legal filings have been publicly confirmed as of this date, though the mayor’s side previously indicated readiness to pursue court action if demands were not met. Councilor Ceesay’s response appears to close the door on unilateral retraction while leaving room for direct engagement.
The Banjul City Council has faced increased public attention in recent months regarding administrative and financial decisions. This latest development adds to debates over the balance between the reputational protection of elected leaders and council members’ rights to raise concerns about public administration.
