Search for new Esu Fon: ECUDA-USA, NW Council of Chiefs petition Menchum SDO.

In separate petitions addressed to the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO for Menchum and copied the Minister of Territorial Administration, the ECUDA-USA, and the North West Council of Chiefs stated that an ongoing process to get a successor of the late Esu monarch, is shrouded in inconsistencies and lacks merit.

Both the North West Council of Chiefs and ECUDA-USA are blunt in their demands. They have asked authorities to immediately halt the process, while pleading for due diligence to be respected.

In their letter to the Menchum SDO, titled: “Petition to Uphold Tradition in the Selection of the Future King of Esu”, the North West Council of Chiefs was categorical.

The petitioners told the SDO that: “We, the North West Council of Chiefs, are writing to bring to your attention a matter of great importance, regarding the selection of the future King of Esu”.

They stated that: “It has come to our attention that on Sunday May 5, certain members of the Esu community visited your office to present an individual as the future King of Esu. However, we wish to emphasise that this action was carried out without following due process, as per the traditions of the North West Region”.

The monarchs reminded the civil administrator that: “Traditionally, the selection of a King in our Region is a process that involves careful consideration, consultation and adherence to established customs and procedures. Any deviation from this process not only undermines the integrity of our traditions but also risks destabilising the peace and unity within our communities”.

The Royal Fathers told the SDO that “as custodians of our Region's traditions and values, we urge you to intervene in this matter and ensure that the individuals involved in the presentation of the future King are called upon to follow due process. It is imperative that the selection of our future colleague, who will play a crucial role in upholding the unity and peace of the Region, is conducted in accordance with our time-honored customs”.

They said: “Any action contrary to upholding the rule of tradition is not only a violation of our cultural heritage but also an intrusion into our sovereign traditions. We trust that you will take the necessary steps to address this issue and uphold the sanctity of our traditions”.

Enter ECUDA-USA

In a similar move, ECUDA-USA Chapter, in a letter to Menchum SDO, titled: “Petition to Halt the Installation of Nfua Fedelis as the Future King of Esu”, rejected the ongoing process. 

“We, Esu people in the Diaspora, represented by the Esu Cultural and Development Association-USA, are writing to express our vehement opposition to the deviation from our sacred traditions of appointing a future King of Esu,” partly reads the petition. It is signed by the President of ECUDA-USA, Timothy Wung. 

They educated the SDO that: “According to the long-held traditions of Esu, the selection of a King in our village is highly revered and requires all institutions of Esu and most importantly the cry of the people. The Esu people carefully, considers all traditional and customary rituals to establish the need for a new Monarch”.

“However, we have been informed that certain individuals within our community have deviated from the traditional process and have unilaterally presented a certain Nfua Fedelis, as the successor to the late King Kum Achuo II,” the petition added. 

It quickly added that: “We wish to make it clear that this decision was not made collectively by the community but rather by a few individuals motivated by personal gain. This deviation from this process not only undermines the integrity of our traditions but also risks a fall out with the peaceful people of Esu; hence further dividing the community”.

The petitioners informed the SDO that: “Esu is still reeling from the tragic assassination of King Kum Achuo II, and we are actively working internationally to seek closure before careful consideration of the appointment process leading to a new King for our Fondom”. 

They were blunt that the unilateral presentation of Nfua Fedelis as the future King is not only outrageous but also insensitive to the wishes of the forty thousand people of Esu, who are seeking peace and unity. 

“We respectfully request that the administration intervenes to halt this plan and takes appropriate action against the individuals who are attempting to divide and create chaos in our peaceful community for their own selfish interests,” they concluded.

Trouble in the land

It should be recalled that the Fon of Esu, His Royal Majesty Kum Achou II Kawzuh Albert Chi, together with his wife, Duh Bibiana, were brutally assassinated on March 9, 2022, while returning from Weh, in Fungom Subdivision, Menchum Division of the North West Region.

The Monarch was ambushed by gunmen and killed alongside one of his wives. It was the first time such a “sacrilegious” incident was registered in the Fondom. The community has been in a mourning mood, while calling for justice for the late traditional ruler.