On maiden official outing since enthronement: Kom Fon urges subjects in Y’de to support dev’t back home.

Fon Ndzi II was speaking in the nation’s political capital, Yaounde, on Sunday August 4, 2024. The traditional ruler was making his first official outing from the Kom Palace, since he ascended the royal throne in December 2017.

Fon Ndzi II addressed the Kom community in Yaounde and guests at the event organised in his honour, through his personal secretary, Christopher Ngam Nsom.

He said the heavy mobilisation and massive presence of his sons and daughters to receive him “is a sign of love, peace and unity which constitute the key pillars” of his reign. 

Fon Ndzi who came up with a project to renovate the Kom Palace, barely months after his enthronement, said he was overwhelmed with the contribution of his sons and daughters in Yaounde and across the globe which has seen various sections of the palace given a new facelift.

“Continue with this spirit of giving back to your community. Your efforts shall not go for nothing and will be rewarded,” Fon Ndzi said.

The traditional authority saluted the Yaounde chapter of the Kom Cultural and Development Association, KOMCUDA, and its affiliates - the village development associations - for the role played in the promotion of the cultural and infrastructural development of Kom.

While hailing the commitment of the cultural and development association in projecting the image of Kom, the Fon, said: “Membership into KOMCUDA should be mandatory for all Kom people living in Yaounde”.

He also enjoined all members of the Kom community in Yaounde to join their respective village associations, so as to contribute to the development of your respective villages back home.

Poor state of road leading to the Kom Palace

Fon Ndzi II pointed out that the road leading the to the Kom Palace is in a very poor state. He said this very preoccupying issue makes it difficult for palace touristic potentials to be accessed and developed.

The traditional ruler thus challenged the elite and development associations to think of what can be done to ameliorate the state of the road and also provide basic amenities like water, electricity in the palace.

Respect of cultural values non-negotiable

According to the Kom Fon, the respect of cultural values so dear to the Kom people is non-negotiable. He warned against imported traditional marriage practices, the abusive wearing of royal symbols, which he said must be put to end

He went on to add: “As a world of caution, all Kom cultural performances here in Yaounde like in elsewhere must be in conformity with what our tradition prescribes…adulteration of our practices in any form will not be tolerated”.

The Fon continued that: “During this unfortunate period of crisis, I have observed the growing tendency for people to bury their dead relations out of home. This isn’t a good practice to encourage”.

In his message, he told his subjects to steer clear “activities that bring dishonour, not only to you person but to the Kom land. Respect state institutions and the laws of the land; patriotism and living together are cherished values that you should embrace…”.

The Fon said he understands that several of his children have fled home due to the armed conflict provoked by the Anglophone crisis.

“Be comforted by the fact that Kom is more than just a geographical expression. It is a feeling. Feel Kom even as you live here by holding onto our cherished values and stay away from all forms of misconduct,” Fon Ndzi II said.

KOMCUDA Y’de president salutes Fon Ndzi’s reforms

Speaking earlier, the President of KOMCUDA Yaounde, Tubuo Calistus, who welcomed the Fon on behalf the Kom community, said many who have not had the opportunity to travel back home in years, were happy to see their “father”.

“Your highness, we are equally thrilled by your reforms since you took over the throne of our forefathers especially the reform on the situation of widows and orphans in the Kom land,” Tubuo said. 

He said the reforms portray the Fon’s earnest desire to look into the situation of his children. 

“Your highness, your children in Yaounde cherish their cultural heritage and the development of their beloved motherland,” he added. 

Enter Prime Minister’s representative

The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, was represented at the reception of Fon Ndzi II by his Special Adviser, Prof Comas Cheka.

Prof Cheka said the PM expressed the wish to see Kom sons and daughters contribute to the return of normalcy in Kom and Boyo in general so that development can thrive.

He reiterated previous calls for Kom children still taking up arms against government to drop them and reintegrate into society. 

The visit of the Fon of Kom in Yaounde was an opportunity for Kom community to display its rich culture in terms of dance, dressing and food.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3191 of Tuesday August 06, 2024