Reward for charity without borders: Inside Mbo Chiefs' rare, prestigious title conferred on Okie Johnson.

The traditional title of Nfon Etingne, (Chief of Love), was conferred on him recently, during a cultural evening organised to celebrate the life of Okie Johnson Ndoh’s father, the late Papa Okie Jackson Sinke. 

The title recognises Okie Johnson Ndoh for his charitable actions, which have gone far beyond his village of origin, Mboka, Nguti Subdivision, in Kupe-Muanenuguba Division in the South West Region, to be witnessed far and wide. 

Okie’s charitable actions have gone far beyond religious, tribal or socio-cultural boundaries. 

According to one of the Chiefs who conferred the title on Okie Johnson, the elephant on the necklace they wore on him signifies the giant of the forest, who is not frightened by anything and can destroy anything on its path. 

“In the process of crowning him, he has been given the powers not to be subdued by any obstacle…he is there for peace, love, and any obstacle he meets on his way, he will overcome it. That is why he was given the broom, which also symbolises power,” the Chief said.

The colourful ceremony was witnessed, among others, by the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Kupe-Muanenguba, Nguia Beina Theophile; Hon Fonge Julius and revered Cameroonian singer, guitarist, and song writer, Prince Ndedi Eyango. The latter thrilled thousands at the ceremony, with some of his albums of yesteryears that kept the population on their feet. 

It should be noted that the conferring of the title of the Chief of Love (Nfon Etingne) on Okie Johnson Ndoh by the Chiefs of Mbo in the Moungo Division, was part of celebrations marking the life of a patriarch, Papa Okie Sinke Jackson, who joined his Creator, some 33 years ago. 

To commemorate this celebration, a cultural evening was organised to celebrate him traditionally by all the 12 clans that make up Nguti Subdivision. 

The cultural evening was characterised by a series of traditional dances and gastronomy that showcased the different traditional dishes of Nguti. 

Some local artists of Nguti Subdivision, were also on hand to grace the night with beautiful sound tracks. 

All the activities happened in Mboka village, which has witnessed a rapid socio-economic and spiritual developments that have caught the attention of the entire nation. Mboka, also known as the City of Love, is host to the IRAD Multipurpose Centre and the iconic Spiritual Centre known as the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, that is attracting thousands of Catholic Pilgrims and other people of faith from far and near. Another attractive site is the Sinke Plantation Ltd, and of course free fresh potable water and regular electricity supply that powers homes, and local businesses. 

Mboka also has some distinctive features that blend with a rich biodiversity and modern buildings that serve as a source of pride to natives with vivid memories of the contrasting past. 

Okie also gets title from Bassosi chiefs 

Meanwhile, Okie Johnson was also, on the sidelines of the celebration of his late father's life, conferred the title of Nsumpendia (roughly translated as The Pathfinder or one who opens roads for others”. 

The title was conferred on him by the six notables representing the six founding families of Mboka and the Chiefs of Basossi, for all what he has been doing for the community to prosper.

He was also credited for the transformation of Mboka village in particular and Nguti Subdivision in general.

Okie Johnson had previously been conferred other traditional titles. 

They include Samultke (meaning a big tree that shares its glory with everyone); and Esotiba (roughly translated as one who dines with everybody, regardless of their class and status).

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3690 of Sunday February 01, 2026