– Dr. Barrister Molua Smith Becke advocates Inclusive Traditional Governance and Peacebuilding in Fako Division
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
Traditional rulers, legal experts, administrators and development stakeholders converged in Buea for the maiden edition of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference organised by Bookers International Law Firm under the theme, “Traditional Institutions and Good Governance: Chiefs as Agents of Peace and Stability.”
The three-day conference, which opened on May 6 and ended on Friday, May 9, 2026 at the Parliamentarian Flats in Buea, sought to strengthen the role of traditional institutions in peacebuilding, conflict resolution and sustainable community development in Fako Division.
Opening the conference, the Chief Executive Officer of Bookers International Law Firm, Dr. Barrister Molua Smith Becke, described the gathering as a historic moment for traditional governance in Fako. He stressed that chiefs remain the custodians of culture, land and communal justice, adding that traditional institutions existed long before modern administrative systems and continue to serve as the first point of authority for many citizens.
According to Dr. Molua, chiefs play a crucial role in resolving disputes, preserving peace and mobilising communities for development. He noted that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, dialogue and shared purpose. He however acknowledged that traditional institutions today face mounting challenges including insecurity, land disputes, governance pressures and the need to align customary authority with modern democratic values and human rights obligations.
The legal practitioner called for stronger collaboration between traditional rulers, government institutions and civil society organizations. He advocated for the formal integration of chiefs into local peacebuilding structures and emphasized the need for continuous capacity building in conflict resolution, administration and human rights. He further urged traditional rulers to embrace transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in their leadership.
Representing the administration, the Divisional Officer of Buea, Dr. Abba Abdouraman commended the initiative and encouraged chiefs to continuously improve their leadership capacities. He noted that leadership challenges are becoming increasingly complex and require traditional rulers to constantly learn and adapt. He emphasized that effective governance depends on self-leadership, wisdom and the ability to anticipate and manage community challenges.
The conference also featured expert presentations on inclusive governance and conflict management. Dr. Rose Egbe Mbi Epse Ojong delivered a presentation on “Youth and Women Inclusion in Traditional Governance for Sustainable Peace.” She highlighted the importance of involving women and young people in chiefdom affairs, arguing that exclusion often leads to frustration and instability within communities. According to her, while certain traditional matters may remain reserved for elders and notables, youth and women must gradually be integrated into governance structures to prepare future generations for leadership responsibilities.
Another presentation by Dr. Etta-Nyoh focused on chiefs as mediators in traditional conflict resolution and peacebuilding mechanisms. The session generated vibrant discussions among chiefs who exchanged experiences and proposed strategies for improving governance within their communities.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Dr. Molua explained that the conference was born out of the need to provide practical solutions to the growing challenges facing villages across Fako. He stated that issues such as insecurity, communal conflicts and land disputes could often be resolved at the palace level before escalating to administrative authorities. He added that Bookers International Law Firm chose to focus on solutions rather than complaints, insisting that empowering chiefs legally and developmentally would strengthen grassroots governance.
Participants at the seminar expressed satisfaction with the initiative. The Chief of Ewongo Village, HRH Barrister Elive Esimboe, described the seminar as enriching and transformative. He acknowledged that many communities traditionally relied solely on men for decision-making but said the conference had revealed the importance of involving women and youth in governance. Drawing from a recent protest by women in his community over electricity shortages, the chief admitted that earlier inclusion of women in local councils could have prevented the situation from escalating.
He disclosed plans to restructure his village council by creating youth and women’s councils to ensure that all segments of the community are represented in decision-making processes. Participants generally agreed that the conference marked an important step toward reinforcing the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, stability and sustainable development across Fako Division.