Monrovia – Majority Bloc Speaker of the House of Representatives Richard Koon is facing a legal challenge from his wife, Angeline Mamie Worloh Koon, who has filed a petition in the Commercial Court of Montserrado County demanding full accountability for rental income from their jointly owned property. The case, which brings into question the financial transparency of a high-ranking government official, has sparked public interest as the Speaker is summoned to appear in court on April 1.
Madam Koon, who has been married to Speaker Koon for 25 years, alleges that she has been denied access to financial details regarding rental earnings from their property in the Unity Conference Central, Hotel Africa Road community. According to her complaint, they jointly acquired the property in 2004 and constructed five duplexes a year later, creating ten rental apartments. In 2007, they reportedly agreed to rent out the apartments for income, but she claims her husband has since shut her out of all financial dealings related to the property.
She contends that while an estimated $5,110 was reported as rental income in 2007, she has received no updates in the past 19 years. Moreover, she alleges that Speaker Koon has failed to properly maintain the apartments and has managed the property without consulting her. She further claims that tenants currently occupying the apartments have been instructed not to engage with her, effectively barring her from any oversight of the estate.
The case raises concerns about financial accountability, particularly for a senior government official who is expected to uphold transparency and ethical leadership. Legal experts suggest that Speaker Koon’s failure to respond to the court’s summons could result in a default judgment against him, potentially compelling him to disclose the full rental income and grant his wife her rightful share.
The legal battle also places Speaker Koon in an uncomfortable spotlight, as questions emerge about his handling of personal financial affairs while holding a position of public trust. Some observers argue that the allegations, if proven, could have broader implications for his credibility as a lawmaker entrusted with overseeing national financial matters.
