By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
After more than four decades without a traditional ruler, the people of Upper Bokova village in Buea Subdivision, South West Region, have entered a new chapter in their history with the designation of a new chief. His Royal Majesty Chief Barrister Abel Nyoki Evanjoh has been chosen as Chief-elect, bringing to an end a prolonged period of leadership vacuum that many residents say stalled development and weakened cultural cohesion.
The historic designation took place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, during consultative talks held in Buea. The process unfolded in the presence of the Divisional Officer of Buea, Dr. Abba Abdouraman, alongside other administrative officials, traditional authorities, and chiefs from across the subdivision. The kingmakers of Upper Bokova, after consultations and deliberations, collectively endorsed Barrister Abel Nyoki Evanjoh as the rightful heir to the chieftaincy stool, a decision widely described as courageous and unifying.
Upper Bokova is notably the native village of former Prime Minister Peter Mafany Musonge, a factor that has given national resonance to the restoration of traditional authority in the community. For over 40 years, the absence of a chief meant that the village lacked a central figure to coordinate development efforts, represent the people in traditional and administrative circles, and safeguard cultural heritage. Residents say this gap left Upper Bokova lagging behind neighbouring communities that benefited from government programs and development initiatives.
News of the designation was greeted with jubilation across the village. Songs, cheers and spontaneous celebrations erupted as villagers described the moment as “the dawn of a new era.” For many, the return of a chief symbolizes renewed hope, unity and progress after decades of uncertainty.
Speaking to the press shortly after his designation, His Royal Majesty Chief Barrister Abel Nyoki Evanjoh expressed deep gratitude to the kingmakers, notables, traditional authorities, administrative officials and the entire population of Upper Bokova for the confidence placed in him. He acknowledged the sensitive nature of the selection process, noting that the kingmakers had opened the contest to the entire village rather than restricting it to specific royal families, which resulted in four candidates vying for the stool.
According to the Chief-elect, the courage displayed by the majority of kingmakers who stood by their choice was a testament to their commitment to the future of Upper Bokova. He used the occasion to extend an olive branch to those who opposed his candidacy, stressing that the contest had ended and that the true winners were the people of Upper Bokova. “This is not my victory; it is the victory of the village,” he said, calling for an end to divisions, enmity and negativity, and urging all sons and daughters of the village to work together for development.
Chief Evanjoh emphasized that his reign would be community-development oriented, with a focus on unity, peace and sustainable progress. He noted that Upper Bokova had “lost a lot” over the past 40 years due to the absence of leadership, but expressed optimism that the village could now catch up and reclaim its place among developing communities in the region.
Even before his designation, Barrister Abel Nyoki Evanjoh had earned respect within the community through philanthropic actions. Four months earlier, he distributed didactic materials and provided financial assistance to more than 165 children in basic, secondary and university institutions, an initiative that strengthened his image as a leader committed to education and social welfare.
In his message to the chiefs of Buea, the new traditional ruler paid special tribute to the Paramount Chief of Buea, Chief Dr. Robert Esuka Endeley, and the President of the Buea Chiefs Conference, HRH Ndike Richard, for their guidance and support throughout the consultative process. He also acknowledged former Prime Minister Peter Mafany Musonge for his principled stance in allowing a free and fair selection through the kingmakers rather than using his influence to claim the throne.
As Upper Bokova prepares for the formal enthronement of its new chief, expectations are high that His Royal Majesty Chief Barrister Abel Nyoki Evanjoh will serve as a unifying force and a vital link between the people, their cultural heritage and a future of renewed development.