Upper Bokova chiefdom: Barrister Evanjoh Abel Nyoki crowned as Chief Mbella IV.

The ceremony featured diverse cultural displays by indigenes and non-indigenes, marking what many described as the start of a new chapter for the community. 

The ascension of Chief Mbella IV ends a 46-year wait by many indigenes for stable traditional leadership in Upper Bokova, a historic moment that closes a long chapter of uncertainty.

Before his coronation, Barrister Evanjoh Abel Nyoki built a reputation for community service. He has championed development and empowerment initiatives, with a strong emphasis on education and youth empowerment. 

Through his “Runs back to school” programme, secondary, high school, and university students from the area have benefited from full and partial tuition support, didactics, and other educational aid. His efforts have promoted self-reliance and skills development among the youth.

During the coronation, the new chief described the event not as a largely ceremonial, but a moment of reflection, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to collective progress of the community.

Chief Mbella IV pledged that his leadership would be anchored on peace, unity, and development. He acknowledged the chiefdom’s pressing challenges, including unreliable electricity supply, limited access to potable water, poor road infrastructure, and the need for better functioning of public institutions. 

He noted that concrete steps have already begun, particularly in the electricity sector, with the procurement of a new transformer and the installation of streetlights in different quarters. He assured villagers that his administration would continue working collaboratively to address these concerns.

The chief vowed to practice inclusive leadership, promising a strong and functional Traditional Council composed of competent individuals. Quarter heads are expected to be appointed soon to help the chief in administering the different quarters of the chiefdom. 

He also extended an olive branch to those who opposed his designation, urging them to join him in building a peaceful and united village that benefits everyone.

The Divisional Officer, DO, of Buea Subdivision, Abba Abdourahman, who supervised aspects of the designation process, offered clear counsel to the new ruler. He urged him to rule with impartiality, focusing on reconciliation and unity; avoid distinguishing people based on tribe, region, religion, or origins; always give his best to the community, even when efforts seem forgotten and to operate strictly within the legal frameworks governing traditional rulers as auxiliaries of the administration.

With these guidelines, Abdourahman assured the new chief that the state, administration and security services would support the him, provided he adheres to these principles.

The coronation of Chief Mbella IV comes at a crucial time for the chiefdom, especially as it has been decades without a traditional ruler. The new chief faces high expectations to translate his vision into tangible improvements in infrastructure and social cohesion. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3780 of Tuesday May 05, 2026