-As Labor Court Judge in Nimba
BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
The Liberian Senate has unanimously confirmed Cllr. Taylo Wehyee as the new Labor Court Judge for Nimba County. During a confirmation hearing in the Senate Chambers, all 23 senators present voted in favor of Wehyee’s nomination. No votes were cast against or in abstention.
Senators cited Wehyee’s legal expertise, integrity, and extensive experience in the justice sector as the basis for their support. Before his appointment, Wehyee served as Public Defender for Nimba County, where he built a reputation for advocacy, commitment to due process, and defense of citizens’ rights.
His confirmation is widely seen as a boost to Nimba County’s judiciary and a step toward strengthening labor dispute resolution at the county level. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. officially appointed Cllr. Tarlo N. Wehyee as Labor Court Judge for Nimba County on April 9, 2026. Following a rigorous confirmation hearing in the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Wehyee is set to serve as the first Resident Judge of the newly established Labour Court in Nimba County.
The appointment was widely welcomed in Nimba as a step toward bringing specialized labor justice closer to workers. Cllr. Wehyee has served the Liberian judiciary for decades, particularly, as Public Defender assigned to Nimba County. In his first remarks as judge, he pledged that labor law enforcement would “not be business as usual.” He committed to the impartial implementation of Liberia’s labor laws and vowed to hold violators accountable.
“The era of impunity for employers who exploit workers must end,” he said, signaling stricter oversight and enforcement. The Labor Court is part of a broader judicial reform effort to decentralize labor dispute resolution. Nimba County hosts major concessionaires, including ArcelorMittal Liberia and several mining operations as well as other business sectors, where workers have long raised concerns over wrongful dismissals, unpaid benefits, and unsafe working conditions.
Until now, all labor disputes in Nimba have been heard by the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, which also handles criminal, civil, and probate matters. The dual caseload created significant backlogs, with some employment cases pending for over two years.
Judge Wehyee’s docket will include wrongful termination, workplace injuries, collective bargaining disputes, and violations of the Decent Work Act of 2015.
About Judge Tarlo N. Wehyee:
Counsellor-At-Law Tarlo N. Wehyee is a seasoned legal practitioner and Longest-serving Public Defender of Nimba County. Born on February 15, 1965, in Monrovia, he hails from the forested lands of Marlay, Boe, and Qualla, Tappita District, Nimba County.
His early life was shaped by resilience and a strong work ethic, despite limited access to education. This instilled perseverance and a pursuit of knowledge, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning and service. Cllr. Wehyee’s educational journey began in the mid-1970s, navigating rural schooling challenges.
He earned a Diploma and Certificate from William V.S. Tubman High School in 1986, followed by a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Economics from the University of Liberia. He furthered his education with a Diploma in Computer Science (1994) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law (2013).
Professionally, Cllr. Wehyee has served in multiple sectors, locally and internationally. He’s a Public Defender in Nimba County, representing indigent defendants and advocating for judicial independence. He is qualified to practice before the Supreme Court of Liberia and is recognized for his commitment to justice and human rights.
Beyond law, Cllr. Wehyee is a talented former footballer, admired for his skill and sportsmanship. He’s approachable and relatable, with nicknames like Super 7, Player, Middle, NEWS, or Counsel.
His journey exemplifies the power of education, foresight, and dedication, making a lasting impact on Liberia’s governance and rule of law.
The Labour Court:
The court’s creation follows legislative action taken last year. The House of Representatives passed the Act to establish a dedicated Labor Court in Nimba on July 10, 2025. The Senate concurred, and the bill was introduced on March 7, 2025, by then-Representative, now Senator, Samuel Kogar of Nimba County Electoral District #5.
Former Representative now-Senator, Kogar framed the bill as a direct response to mounting labor disputes in the county’s key economic sectors. Residents have expressed relief at the establishment of both the Traffic and Labor Courts in Nimba, saying the move offers long-awaited access to justice for victims of vehicle accidents and labor violations.
