Traditional authority spits fire at Fako SDO’s condescending instructions
By Nchendzengang Tatah
Heavy words have dropped from traditional authorities of the South West against the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako, Viang Mekala. This was in response to his instructions on traditional rulers’ participation during May 20, celebrations – the 53rd edition of the National Day, which is to be celebrated under the theme, “Army and nation united for a Cameroon turned towards peace and prosperity”.
The letter from the South West House of Chiefs on May 19, signed by its president, His Royal Majesty Chief Dr Atem Ebako Bisong Andrew, which we have seen and confirmed, addresses the tone of the Fako SDO’s instructions. He described the message as a “wrongful portrayal of traditional rulers”.
Chief Ebako said the SDO had crossed the “red line”. Further stating that the instructions of the Viang Mekala indicating disciplinary sanctions against chiefs who did not make it to their respective official celebration grounds on May 20th were “rude” and “callous”.
“Indeed, I find the above statement, not only very frustrating, but disparaging to the status, divine honour and dignity of the Traditional Rulers, not only of the Fako Division, but of the whole SW Region,” Chief Ebako stated.
The President of the House of Chiefs sustained that the SDO had escaped an apology for what he felt was an ill-worded letter, as the atmosphere was celebratory of national unity, peace and love. He, however, concluded his remarks with a warning to Viang Mekala, “to refrain from being insolent and disrespectful to the institution of the traditional rulers.”
Mekala’s instructions
The outing of the President of the South West House of Chief who is Vice President of the South West Regional Assembly was a response to a May 15 issued letter by Viang Mekala to Divisional Officers of Fako “to ensure that all traditional rulers of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd class chiefdoms are effectively present at the grand stand.”
Mekala had gone on to say that any traditional ruler who did not comply and failed to put forth tangible reasons for absence would be subjected to a request for explanation. This was to precede the opening of a “disciplinary file” against him, which was to be put forth before the powers that be for sanction. The signed note bore, “seen, good to dispatch”. Although it rather stated the “59th edition of the Unity Day on May 20, 2025” and not the 53rd edition as it should rightfully be. Its surfacing in the mass media has aroused varied reactions.
