West Region: Babadjou Trad’ ruler sets stage for fighting fake pastors
By Stephen TADAHA
The traditional ruler, HRH Kaffo Sambankeing Langevin of Babadjou in the West Region has launched an initiative against fake preachers who engage in activities that contradict the ethics, faith, and traditional values of the Babadjou people in the West Region of Cameroon. This effort was discussed during a meeting between the Fon and pastors of some Pentecostal churches in Babadjou, held at the Babadjou Royal Palace on Monday, January 13, 2025.
At the end of the meeting, which brought together about 40 Pentecostal church leaders and pastors, the monarch recommended a strict collaboration between traditional authorities and Pentecostal ministers in Babadjou to benefit the people and preserve the landโs traditional values. This partnership, according to the Fon, will also help expose fake pastors who have been scamming people in the name of God. Additionally, he cautioned against the noise pollution caused by certain churches during nighttime prayers.
The pastors present at the meeting agreed to compile a file of recognized Pentecostal churches in Babadjou. His Majesty Kaffo Sambankeing Langevin also recommended that each church should have the decree authorizing its existence to operate legally, as required by the Minister of Territorial Administration.
Babadjou, like many other towns in Cameroon, has seen an uncontrolled rise in the number of churches, many of whose origins and leadersโ credentials remain questionable. Many of these churches are believed to have been established with profit-driven motives, leading to widespread skepticism about their authenticity.
About a year ago, a woman pretending to be a religious leader was arrested in the locality after using prayers to scam her victims. In late 2024, a man posing as a man of God entered the Womenโs Ward of the Bamenda Regional Hospital and removed the oxygen mask from a critically ill patient, claiming that he would heal her. The patient tragically died as a result of the oxygen mask removal.
It is critical that preachers undergo proper theological training before taking to the pulpit to preach.
Theological education equips pastors with the necessary knowledge of scripture, doctrine, and ethics to ensure their teachings are sound and responsible. Trained preachers are better positioned to offer spiritual guidance that is aligned with Christian principles, safeguarding their congregations from misleading practices. Moreover, such training helps preachers navigate the complexities of ministry, providing them with the tools to handle sensitive issues, protect vulnerable members of the community, and ensure the integrity of their message.
