-Leyman GBOWEE 

A public debate has emerged in Liberia following remarks by Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, challenging the common practice of addressing elected officials and public figures with the title “Honorable,” with businessman Simeon Freeman defending the title as a recognized honorific and Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon explaining why he personally avoids using it.

Gbowee, in a social media message shared as part of her “Wednesday Word” reflection, argued that the title “Honorable” should represent integrity, responsibility, and years of dedicated public service rather than automatically being attached to individuals who hold public office.

A public debate has emerged in Liberia following remarks by Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, challenging the common practice of addressing elected officials and public figures with the title “Honorable,” with businessman Simeon Freeman defending the title as a recognized honorific and Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon explaining why he personally avoids using it.

Gbowee, in a social media message shared as part of her “Wednesday Word” reflection, argued that the title “Honorable” should represent integrity, responsibility, and years of dedicated public service rather than automatically being attached to individuals who hold public office.

“Stop calling those people honorable. Honorable is a title that comes with a lot of responsibilities. It is earned through years of dedicated service with integrity,” Gbowee stated.

She questioned why some public officials introduce themselves using the title, asking:

“Who give you that name? Who told you that you are honorable?”

Gbowee encouraged Liberians to consider addressing public officials by the names given to them by their parents rather than automatically attaching titles that, in her view, should reflect demonstrated character and service.