A dispute is emerging over a proposal to create Yemge as a third-class chiefdom in Fungom Subdivision, Menchum Division, with the Fon of Fungom Village, Fon Nyah Damian Chuya, formally objecting to the move.
In a Jan. 4, 2026 letter addressed to the Senior Divisional Officer for Menchum, Fon Nyah said he had not been consulted over the proposed creation of Yemge as a separate village from Fungom or the reported proposal to install Tem Andrew Ngong, of Kung origin, as its Fon.
The Fon argued that ownership of Yemge remains disputed and recalled that, in 2005, the Wum High Court referred the matter to the Land Consultative Board of Fungom Subdivision for consideration.
According to the Fon, the court had directed consultations involving the Fons of Zhoa, Ajuhmbuh Mekaf, Fungom and Kung, as well as the Quarter Head of Batie. He alleged that, instead, the then Divisional Officer, Maurice Fortzembah, informed the traditional authorities of a decision to carve out a new village and to impose a chief.
The Fon warned that proceeding without consultation could deepen tensions in a community still recovering from the effects of the Anglophone crisis.
However, an official document dated May 19, 2026 shows that the Senior Divisional Officer for Menchum submitted a proposal to the Minister of Territorial Administration, through the North-West governor, seeking the creation of Yemge Village as a third-class chiefdom.
The document says Yemge, currently under the second-class chiefdom of Kung, has been disputed by Kung, Fungom and Meskah villages. It estimates the population at about 2,000 and describes the area as an economic hub for lower Fungom, citing its booming Yemge market.
The SDO said previous administrative authorities had repeatedly supported the creation of an autonomous Yemge village, but the process had stalled following a suspension on the creation of new chiefdoms.
The documents therefore point to a longstanding dispute involving land ownership, traditional authority and the proposed administrative recognition of Yemge, with the matter now awaiting a decision from higher authorities.
