he Passing of Serafín Riokaló Sila, Former Mayor and Son of Baney
The early hours of this Friday brought sad news to many inhabitants of Bioko Island and to those who follow the history and public life of the island. In Malabo, Don Serafín Riokaló Sila, a respected and former mayor, passed away, leaving behind a legacy closely tied to the life and identity of his community.
A native of Baney, Serafín Riokaló Sila was widely known for his dedication to public service and for his deep connection to his homeland. Throughout his life, he remained closely linked to the affairs of his people and the wellbeing of the community in which he was born and raised.
Among the responsibilities he assumed during his lifetime was serving as Mayor of Baney, a role through which he worked to support the development of the municipality and the interests of its residents. Those who knew him remember a man firmly rooted in his culture and traditions, committed to the welfare of his town and to the preservation of the identity of the people of Bioko.
he life of Serafín Riokaló Sila unfolded during a period marked by significant political and social challenges in Bioko Island, historically known as Fernando Pó. In that context, he became one of the figures who sought, in his own way, to contribute to conversations about the rights, identity and historical memory of the Bubi people.
His name was also associated with the Movement for the Self‑Determination of Bioko Island (MAIB), an organisation that has long been part of the broader political and social discussion surrounding the identity and aspirations of sections of the island’s population.
Friends, colleagues and members of the community describe him as a man of conviction who remained loyal to his beliefs and to the people he represented. His life, like that of many individuals involved in public and civic causes, was not without challenges and personal sacrifices, yet he continued to stand by the principles he believed in.
His passing is felt not only by his family and close friends but also by many across the island who remember him as one of the sons of Bioko Island who devoted part of his life to serving his community and participating in the public life of his people.
Today, Baney and the wider island bid farewell to one of their own.
May he rest in peace.
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