Ndian: Mofako-Balue Council of Elders cautions against meddling in village’s chieftaincy matters.

The caution was issued during the first Council of Elders meeting held in Kumba, on Saturday, November 2, 2024. It was convinced and chaired by the new traditional ruler of Mofako-Balue, HRM Nanje Kingsley (El-Nanje I).

One of those who was cautioned by the Mofako-Balue Council of Elders is the traditional ruler of Betenge-Balue, Chief Nebale Joseph Mukete, who doubles as the Secretary General of the South West Regional Assembly.

In the scripted letter titled: "Message of peace to the people of Betenge-Balue village”, a copy of which The Guardian Post has seen, the Council highlighted that the people of Mofako-Balue are unhappy with the social and conventional media campaigns recently orchestrated by the traditional ruler of Betenge-Balue, Chief Nebale Joseph Mukete, against their Chief, HRM Nanje Kingsley.  

It added that the people of Mofako-Balue are strongly behind their Chief and any attack on his person is an attack on the entire village. 

The Council of Elders noted that it strongly believes cooperation is better than division and reminded Chief Nebale Joseph Mukete of the peaceful coexistence that existed between the two communities since time immemorial. 

The letter noted that the wish of Mofako- Balue people is that new avenues be opened to improve relations between their village and others to chart a way forward. 

Meanwhile, the meeting of the Council of Elders was equally an opportunity for the Mofako-Balue Chief, for the first time in the history of the community, to add four women in the Council of Elders, comprising of 16 persons to work closely with the Chief for the development of the village.

Other far-reaching resolutions taken

Other far-reaching resolutions were taken during the meeting. This includes seeking technical assistance in addressing the food insecurity of the village, effectively seeking ways to combat rural exodus by creating economic opportunities for young people as well as taking measures to encourage school resumption. 

The Council also resolved to support the traditional ruler in his work, and called to order some youth from Mofako-Balue “who were using the social media irresponsibly”.  

The Council of Elders is the institution in Mofako-Balue closest to the chief. Its members are considered wise and experienced in terms of their ages and act as major advisers to the Chief.

Chief Nebale Joseph Mukete fires back

Meanwhile, in a telephone chat with, Chief Nebale Joseph Mukete, traditional ruler of Betenge-Balue on the allegation leveled against him for fueling campaigns against the new Chief, he said the people of Mofako-Balue “should chase the object and not the shadow”. 

Chief Nebale said he is not from Mofako-Balue and has no right to impose who should be their leader or Chief. He argued that he has been speaking as the President of the Balue Cultural and Development Association, BACDA, to which Mofako-Balue is included, and not the Chief of Betenge-Balue.

He warned the people of Mofako-Balue to cease from calling his name as major declarations on the subject have been made by the Balue Chiefs Conference, headed Chief Dr Ahmadou Mokube, traditional ruler of Bafaka-Balue.

It should be recalled that consultative talk for a new Chief of Mofako-Balue was done on December 2, 2023 and HRM Nanje Kingsley was designated Chief. He was subsequently homologated as a 3rd class Traditional ruler on July 10, 2024.

Chief Nanje took over from his predecessor, Chief Mosongo Joseph Sakwe, who died on May 1, 2021.

Mofako Balue, one of the most populated villages in Dikome Balue Subdivision, is known for is rich humid soil, which favours farming and other grazing activities. The village has a population of over 60,000 inhabitants spread across Ndian and Meme Divisions.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3282 of Wednesday November 06, 2024