Sunrise in Bokwaongo: Albert Njie Mbonde is designated chief

By Nchendzengang Tatah

Albert Njie Mbonde, a seasoned journalist and political desk editor at state media, CRTV has been designated the new chief of Bokwaongo, a third-class chiefdom in Buea, Fako Division of the South West.

He was elected to mount the chieftain stool following a consultative talk on March 19, 2025. The exercise at the Government School Bokwaongo was under the supervision of the Divisional Officer for Buea, Abba Abdouraman. The talks resumed eight months after the last in May 2024. One in which the same DO called off, owing to the disagreement amongst one of the king-maker families.

In a call to order, the Buea DO had reminded the kingmakers of the responsibility that lay ahead of them. That to uphold honesty and preserve the culture and tradition which has been handed them by their ancestors. Abba said there was a need to reflect and make the right decisions void of greed and personal aggrandizement. “You know the truth, that truth should prevail,” he admonished

Bokwaongo chieftaincy

The first consultative talk to designate a chief for Bokwaongo was held on May 3, 2024, following the death of Chief Ekana Molua a year earlier. According to the order in which the population is presented, the Bokwaongo people are of three families. These families were expected to present those from whom the kingmakers were to select a chief.

The D.O. confirmed that the people had presented two kingmakers each from the three families at the first hearing. However, the process was adjourned to a later date for lack of agreement in one family which the administrator said presented five candidates. He, therefore, asked them to concert and arrive at a compromise with a single candidate.

At this hearing on March 19, the same family that had caused the postponement indicated that they had new kingmakers. According to the person who stepped forward with a letter, he had dropped at the DO’s office in that regard, the two kingmakers in the first consultative talks were not representing the family’s interest.

The D.O. indicated that he had received the letter but informed the family that the process was already on course and could not be interrupted. The two kingmakers of the said family were absent in Wednesday’s hearing. After back and forth, the D.O resolved to go ahead with the process on the basis that two absent kingmakers had neither sent a legal representative or officially informed of the absence.

When the kingmakers returned from concerting at the D.O.’s request, they moved towards Albert Njie Mbonde and walked him to the front presenting him as the chief designate. In response, Abba Abdouraman said he accepted Njie Mbonde as Bokwaongo’s new chief as presented by four of six kingmakers.

Njie Mbonde reacts

Chief designate, Njie Mbonde felt the final decision to choose him as chief was in line with fate which had suggested so from the outset of the consultative talks. He felt grateful to God who he said had guided his steps. “I’m glad that God has raised me. To oversee the destiny of this village. I know the people, I know their problems. It includes water and electricity supply, and healthcare which we will work towards ameliorating. On already existing efforts we have this far started putting in place,” Njie Mbonde stated.

He went on to extend gratitude for the Bokwaongo people who he said had worked for peace throughout the years despite a tense socio-political climate in the North West and South West. However, Mbonde expressed dissatisfaction, “at the state of the village. We need to help the young people. Lots of them who are educated do not have what to do.” Bokwaongo’s chief designate, hoped for more unity to achieve developmental milestones going forth.

Villagers react

In comments by many villagers who we spoke to CNA, they found their aspirations in the new chief. According to Penda John, the village representative, and kingmaker, it was finally dawned in Bokwaongo after a long drive. He said they had reflected in almost a year and believed Mbonde was the choice of their ancestors. Going by another villager, the bright sunlight in the mountain foot village was evidence of the benediction of the gods of the land. To Ekine Hans, an indigene, and staff at the Limbe City Council, “Njie Mbonde is the only person who can rule Bokwaongo village. So, I am very happy!”