October poll: Batanga clan declares support for Biya.

This was during the General Assembly of the association, which took place from June 6 to 7. 

The event featuring a cultural jamboree, brought together the three founding families and elite of the 27 villages that make up the Batanga people in Toko Subdivision, Ndian Division of the South West Region.

According to the President of Bombobi wa Batanga, who doubles as the Mayor of Toko council, Chief Betena Ferdinand Masumbe, the holding of the General Assembly of Bombobi wa Batanga in Kumba was because since the crisis many Batanga people have left the villages and are now in nearby towns and villages. 

He said Kumba was idle for the holding of the cultural festival, which, he said, is as old as the Batanga man. The event had six major resolutions in which, Chief Betena said, will be strictly implemented to improve the livelihood of the Batanga people. 

Chief Betena also talked about the boundary problem with the people of Banyue clan in Nguti Subdivision, Kupe-Muanenguba Division and the rampant sale of land by the chiefs.

He said the General Assembly earmarked economic projects that will help the socioeconomic development of the clan. 

“There is the need for our people to have access to their farms, markets and villages. This is why we raising funds to start funding the roads in Batanga by the close of the rainy season,” Chief Betena disclosed. 

While thanking all sons and daughters for their immense contribution towards the growth of the tribe it's culture and values, the president also expressed gratitude to government for appointing sons and daughters from Batanga into prestigious posts of responsibility. 

The event was marked by cultural display from the different villages, singing and dancing competition, presentation of traditional dishes and cash prizes were awarded to all who participated.

The high point of the celebration was the decoration of Ewang Grace, former South West Regional Delegate of Arts and Culture and initiator of the Eyasu fabric. She was decorated with the title of Nianga Eromo, one of the highest titles given to a woman in the Oroko land.

Batanga people are concentrated in Toko Subdivision in Ndian of the South West Region in 27 villages. Their main cash crops are cocoa and palms. The next edition of Bombobi wa Batanga was announced for Tiko in Fako in February 2026.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3469 of Tuesday June 10, 2025