Shufai Tsenla disrespects Fon of Nso by claiming ‘Fon-hood’, draws ire of NSODA

By Hans Ngala

Shufai Tsenla in Kikaikelahki village, about a 30-minute drive from Kumbo central town, has declared himself Fon to the chagrin of the Nso Development Association (NSODA).

In a statement dated November 15, NSODA president, Shey Tadze Adamu Mbiydzela observed that the ongoing conflict in the North-west and South-west regions of the country had led to a “disturbing situation characterized by disrespect, disregard, and dishonor from recurrent attacks on the Paramount Fon of Nso…and related traditional institutions by some of our subjects on social media and at public gatherings”.

A source in Kumbo who spoke with CNA and who we are not identifying for security reasons told us that Shufai Tsenla now has nwerong and ngiri – sacred masquerades or ‘medicine’ of Nso land that only the Nso Palace is supposed to hold and keep. The move was seen by NSODA and some people of Nsoland as a sign of blatant disrespect for the traditional leadership of the land. The Nwerong is the supreme authority of the land and for any individual (apart from the palace) to claim to have nwerong is seen as an act of sacrilege in Nso tradition.

The NSODA statement also called on separatist fighters in the area to “put Nso first in every aspect of their decisions …and to prioritize that which will permit our people to regain their freedom of association, circulation, speech and full expression of their cultural identity…”.

At press time, CNA had called Mr. Mbiydzela for direct comment on the matter but was unable to reach him.