By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
Prince Robert Esuka Endeley, son of Dr.Emmanuel Mbella Lifafa Endeley has been crowned new paramount ruler of Buea and first class chief of Buea town.
Prince Esuka Endeley was chosen as the new Paramount Ruler of the Bakweri people by the royal kingmakers 12 votes out of 15 last Monday February 5, 2018, at the Buea Town Pala-pala Field during the third consultative talks coordinated by the SDO for Fako, Emmanuel Engamba Ledoux in the presence of the Divisional Officer for Buea, Kouam Wokam Paul, Mayor Ekema Patrick Esunge, Chiefs, family heads, elders and the population of Buea.
It should be noted that the late Chief Justice Endeley passed died on July 7, 2015 and since then, the throne has been vacant.
The designation of Prince Robert Esuka Endeley over the other candidates has therefore put an end to what seemed as an eternal squabble that almost split the royal family.
Of the 16 royal families who were to partake in the choice of a new ruler, just 15 families took part with the Wonya-Motande family deciding to step down and withdraw from the entire process in future.
Noting that the process has been objective and fair, the senior divisional officer said the royal family had a month to select their chief and therefore the candidate chosen is the best for the position of chieftaincy.
Some people who had been keen observers of the entire process mentioned that the methods used in searching for a new traditional ruler has deviated from what used to be as it has now turned into a political issue.
“The in house fighting, backstabbing has tuned into a political battle as it is even more political than politics itself”, a concerned Buea native told The SUN.
To Mayor Ekema Patrick Esunge “the selection process went on hitch free and everybody was satisfied. I am happy with the designation and that the family had maintained their candidate from the onset”.
It should be noted that the children of Dr. Emmanuel Mbella Lifafa Endeley, led by Prince Robert Esuka Endeley, wanted their father’s throne which was given to their late uncle, SML Endeley be returned to them. According to reports, SML Endeley inherited the Buea traditional stool from his uncle and not his father as prescribed by the Bakweri succession laws.
When Chief Gervacius Endeley died, Dr. EML Endeley was chosen to succeed him. But the former Premiere of former British Southern Cameroons was not prepared to lead his people. The throne was then handed over to his cousin, SML Endeley to rule.
After the demise of Chief Justice Endeley, the other family began campaigning for their father’s throne to be given back to them as according to them, they are the rightful heirs to the throne.