London council seizes social housing flat from Sierra Leone’s first lady – a housing controversy unfolds

London council seizes social housing flat amid tenancy dispute

The Southwark borough announced it has repossessed a two‑bedroom unit in Walworth after the tenancy of Fatima Jabbe‑Bio, Sierra Leone’s first lady, was called into question. London council seizes social housing flat is now the headline that frames a saga involving a property officially allocated for low‑income residents while the occupant reportedly spent most of the year at the presidential lodge in Freetown.

Council officials say the lease was terminated following a breach of residency requirements and a failure to provide the mandatory proof of local residence. The decision aligns with housing policy that prioritises genuine need over diplomatic prestige.

“Public housing must not become a sanctuary for foreign dignitaries who do not meet the statutory criteria,” a Southwark spokesperson told Reuters.

Local activists argue the move sends a stark warning to other high‑profile tenants. The flat, valued at roughly £↓ 250,000, will be re‑listed for allocation to a family on the waiting list.

Observers note the episode could strain Sierra Leone‑UK relations, though diplomatic channels remain open. Bloomberg reports that similar cases have emerged in other major cities, highlighting a broader tension between housing scarcity and political privilege.