Samuel Eto’o’s crowning with NW title sparks controversy

By Noela EBOB BISONG

Cameroon’s football star, Samuel Eto’o is at the centre of controversy, following his crowning as ‘Fon of Fons’ of the North West Region of Cameroon. Footage of a traditional ceremony which apparently took place in Douala, Littoral Region on Friday, January 17, has gone viral on social media. In the scene, Eto’o is seen being decorated by some traditional rulers of the North West in the region’s regalia and handed a staff of command. The ritual is said to have been spearheaded by Fon Ju Wilson, 3rd class Fon of  Koshin village in Fungom Subdivision, Menchum Division of the North West, “on behalf  of the Fons of the North West”, giving Eto’o the new title of Ntumfon.

Eto’o in smiles after coronation

While it remains unclear under what premise the action was taken, the Fons of the North West Region have distanced themselves from the move, insisting that there is only one “Fon of Fons”, the man H.E. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon.

In a Public Notice signed by HRM Fon Yekum Kevin, Paramount Fon of Bambalang who doubles as President of the North West House of Chiefs, January 18, it reads in part that, “…out of disregard for the law or personal preferences, certain individuals in positions of power have decided to undermine the law…this unauthorized coronation is one of many actions stemming from the lack of implementation of the Special Status as envisioned by lawmakers and endorsed  by the President of the Republic.”

HRM Fon Yekum furthers that, “…in fulfillment of the oath I took as President of the House of Chiefs to defend the cultural  heritage of the North West  Region, I hereby dissociate the North West Fons  from the coronation of Samuel Eto’o Fils…”.

The Public Notice insists that Regional titles should only be awarded by constituted authorities, that Fons are custodians of cultural heritage and that individuals should desist from participating in or endorsing the desecration of their culture. “This public disclaimer serves as a clarification and a call for the respect of the laws and customs of the land”, it reads.

In another Disclaimer also dated January 18, North West Fons resident in the Littoral Region have also condemned the move, saying, “We are writing to express our strongest condemnation and objection to the conferment of such a title or usage of such artefacts which are exclusively meant for the enthroned Fons of our region.”

They maintain that, “The action was undertaken by third class chiefs without the knowledge or approval of the North West Fons resident in the Littoral Region…This unilateral decision undermines the integrity of our traditions. We therefore dissociate ourselves of this action, which we consider null and void. We demand that these artefacts be returned immediately”, they state.

Also reacting to the incident, an observer writes that, “Traditionally, the cap placed on Eto’o’s head is reserved only for Fons, crowned princesses and Queen Mothers. Why would a third-class Fon crown someone with a cap that holds such deep cultural significance?…additionally, Eto’o was given a staff and a throne decorated with cowries  and traditional fabric-items also reserved strictly for royalty. Was Fon Juh Wilson aware of the rules governing these symbols? Or did he act without considering the weight of tradition?” he questions.

At press time, the topic was the centre of discussions and debates across many circles, with some strongly denouncing the action while others throwing weight behind Eto’o. Some of his fans maintain that this is not the first traditional recognition Eto’o is receiving, saying the football star had even been given the title of a military Colonel here in Cameroon.

Eto’o was also decorated by some Chiefs in Limbe and given the title of Mola Eyole, among several other recognitions in the West, Northern, Southern and Littoral Regions of Cameroon.

However, Fon Ju Wilson of Koshin Royal Palace has maintained that he acted in legality, in giving Eto’o the title of “NTUMFON”, which he says makes the football star a Message Carryer and Mediator of the Koshin Fon’s Palace.

In putting his action in context, Fon Ju explains in a January 19, communiqué that, ” The President of the Cameroonian Football Federation came to my Palace for a coutesy visit to salute us after our traditional wedding on January 11th 2025 which he didn’t attend due to his tight schedule. On Friday 17th, President Samuel Eto’o… decided to visit my Palace Annex in Douala Bonaberi. During this occasion, I decided to give him the Honorable title of “NTUMFON” of Koshin Fondom. I am the Paramount Ruler of Koshin Village and GOT THE RIGHT to give Notable Title to who so ever serves my Palace and my Community.”

Fon Ju also states in the communiqué that, “Let those who mis-informed public opinion know that I don’t have the powers to give the title of “FON OF FONS”.

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