By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
A historic moment unfolded in the heart of Bokwaongo-Membea village in Buea, South West Region, as seasoned journalist and distinguished community figure, Albert Njie Mbonde, was coronated as the fifth monarch of the village. The grand event which held on June 6 and 7, 2025, at the renowned Pala Pala Field in Bokwaongo, drew an impressive crowd of traditional rulers, administrative officials, journalists, and indigenes eager to witness the symbolic transition of power.
The coronation ceremony was presided over by the Paramount Chief of Buea, HM Robert Esuka Endeley, who underscored the significance of the occasion in Bakweri land. As he placed the royal crown upon Chief Njie Mbonde’s head, Chief Endeley carried out a deeply symbolic act, removing his own shoes and proclaiming in the Mokpe language, “The stool of Bokwaongo is one of the most important stools in Bakweri land. That’s why I go barefoot.” His actions reverberated across the gathering, reinforcing the weight of the responsibilities now resting upon the newly installed chief.
A new era begins
HM Chief Albert Njie Mbonde succeeds Chief Elkana Molua Messe, who passed away in late 2023. His journey to the throne began with consultative talks on March 19, 2025, led by the kingmakers of Bokwaongo under the supervision of the Divisional Officer of Buea, Abba Abdourahman. Following a prefectural order by the Senior Divisional Officer of Fako, Chief Njie Mbonde’s leadership was officially recognised, paving the way for his grand coronation.
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The selection process, though met with some opposition from certain factions within the village, culminated in widespread jubilation as many saw the well-respected journalist and community advocate as the right choice for leadership. In his inaugural address, the newly crowned monarch called for unity, urging all members of the community to move past earlier disputes and work together for the betterment of Bokwaongo-Membea. “The time for contention is over, We have to move forward together”, Chief Njie Mbonde declared.
-Pledging a future of development and stability
With Bokwaongo facing challenges such as unreliable electricity, inadequate water supply, and the growing concerns of land mismanagement, Chief Njie
Mbonde wasted no time outlining his priorities for the village. He assured residents that addressing infrastructure problems would be at the forefront of his leadership.
One of his key pledges was tackling the long-standing electricity outages plaguing the community. Recognising the frustration caused by power disruptions, he proposed two immediate solutions; either working in collaboration with ENEO, the national electricity supplier, or mobilising community efforts to purchase a new transformer. “We are bigger than that as a village. We can buy a transformer as a village, and I take that as a firm commitment,” Chief Njie Mbonde asserted.
Water scarcity also remains a pressing issue, despite Bokwaongo’s proximity to natural water sources. Chief Njie Mbonde promised to initiate public-private partnerships aimed at improving distribution networks and ensuring every household enjoys consistent access to clean water.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the new Chief emphasised the importance of economic opportunities for young people in the village. “Lots of them are educated but do not have what to do”, he lamented. His vision includes fostering entrepreneurship and skill-building programmes to empower the youth and integrate them into the village’s development efforts.
Strengthening traditional leadership
In his installation address, the Divisional Officer for Buea, Abba Abdourahman offered strong words of encouragement to Chief Njie Mbonde, reminding him of the enormous responsibility ahead. He urged the new ruler to work closely with the House of Chiefs, traditional council elders, and other key figures in Bokwaongo to ensure efficient governance and developmental progress.
“Faced with increasing numerous expectations and considering the limited resources coming from the State and the Local Development Authority, the mobilisation of all sons and daughters of your community around key projects should be at the top of your action priority,” Abdurrahman stated.
He further highlighted the importance of careful land management, denouncing illegal sales and stressing that Chief Njie Mbonde must rigorously oversee community properties to prevent exploitation. Issues such as mob justice, witchcraft, and other deviant practices harming the village’s reputation were also underscored as challenges requiring swift intervention.
-A coronation marked by culture, celebration
The coronation was not only a political and administrative event but also a vibrant cultural spectacle. Prior to the main ceremony, Bokwaongo was abuzz with festivities, including the thrilling Ikundi Tewa Mini Mountain Race, which saw 76-year-old Mama Engomi Nekoli astonishing spectators with her endurance in the Mother’s Category. This highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the monarch and his heritage, emphasising the vitality and resilience of Bokwaongo’s people.
Honouring individuals who have contributed to the village’s progress, Chief Njie Mbonde presented special recognitions, praising their dedication and commitment to community growth. The event also featured a grand night gala showcasing performances from various artists who entertained the celebratory crowd, ensuring that the coronation was etched into history as a momentous occasion.
-A vision for the future
As he steps into his new role, Chief Njie Mbonde faces the daunting yet rewarding task of leading Bokwaongo-Membea into a future of unity and development. He remains steadfast in his promise to act with transparency and accountability, particularly in matters concerning land governance and public service delivery.
His ascension to the throne signifies the dawn of a transformative era for Bokwaongo-Membea. With unwavering determination, he seeks to unite the people, drive sustainable development, and restore confidence in traditional leadership.
As the festivities of his coronation settle, all eyes remain fixed on HM Chief Albert Njie Mbonde, Bokwaongo’s fifth monarch, who has pledged to serve his people with dignity and purpose.