Yaounde: Mbengwi Fon decorates Barrister Ndangoh Tah ‘Ntumfon’.

The multi-award winning lawyer was coffered the title and presented to the public by the traditional ruler of Mbengwi, HRM Fon A.A Njokem III. This is during a ceremony in Yaounde Sunday March 26.

The highly colourful event was attended by Divisional Officer of Yaounde VII, Nwanjo Nsangue Elie, and a cross section of high-profile personalities drawn from all walks of life.

Also present were several lawyers, college of traditional rulers from the North West and Centre Regions, and host of socio-cultural groups.

Following his installation as Ntumfon, loosely translated in English as Fon’s Representative/Mouthpiece, Barrister Ndangoh, will lord over people of Meta origin across the South, East and Centre Regions.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Mbengwi traditional ruler explained that “the significance of this title is that he will be representing me in the Centre, East and South Regions”.

“Where the Fon cannot be present physically, he will be present and thus he will be respected just as the Fon is respected,” the traditional ruler added.

The Custodian of Mbengwi customs and tradition said Barrister Ndangoh was designated out of a number personalities who were shortlisted to be the Fon’s envoy. 

“There were many persons shortlisted who could be the Ntumfon of the land. The way the kingmakers and the people looked at it, Ndangoh was chosen since he has and is still carrying on development activities in the village,” Fon Njokem III said.   

Barrister Ndangoh expresses joy

The renowned Common Law lawyer while expressing his joy of being presented publicly as Ntumfon, said the title is well deserved.

“I think that if I had not been working up to expectations, I would not have been conferred Ntumfon,” Ntumfon Ndangoh Tah told reporters.

The criminal investigation expert further disclosed that the title had been conferred on him some time ago in the village but he didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate with his people until now.

“So I want to thank God for giving me the knowledge, wisdom and understanding to have been able to meet the needs of my people to the point that they have decided to confer a title on me,” Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh added.

Commitment to serve

The Fon’s envoy to the Centre, South and East Regions also used the opportunity to pledge his commitment to serve the Fon and his tribe people.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. If they have given me a title, it is obvious that they want me to do more and I will continue to do more,” Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh pledged.

He then acknowledged that the expectation of his people have now redoubled following the conferring of the title and vows to deliver development to the Meta community in Mbengwi and beyond.

“The Ntumfon is the highest title in my land and it is only second to that of a Fon. As a representative of the Fon, I talk on his behalf out of the village. I take decision on behalf of the Fon on the people of Mbengwi wherever they are,” he declared.

“I am very happy with the people of Nso, Wum, Nkambe, Nguzang and those of Batibo. For the very first time, we have witnessed more than 15 Fons in my humble abode. It is a privileged for me to say thank you,” Ntumfon added.

Ntumfon title highly significant

According to one of the notable of Mbengwi Fondom, Chunga Patrick Dara, the title awarded to the Barrister Ndangoh is a highly respectable one within their Fondom.

“The title given to Barrister Ndangoh is a very important one because he is the representative of the His Royal Highness, the Fon of Mbengwi in the Centre, South and East region,” the notable said, adding that “he rules over three regions”.

“It is significant in that the Fondom of Mbengwi has been transfer through him to the Centre, South and East regions,” Chunga added.

“The red feather placed on his cap is always given by the Fon. No notable can personally it over. The notables can only propose to the Fon any son of theirs whom they deem deserving of a red feather. From then, the Fon scrutinises the person before attribution,” he further explained.

The ceremony was marked by the fundraising to give the entrance of Mbengwi Palace a facelift. It also featured the display of traditional dances from the Meta, Nso tribes amongst others.

Massive turnout of officials

Meanwhile, the ceremony was equally heavily attended by the former Batonnier of the Cameroon Bar Council, Barrister Akere Muna, the Vice President of the Bar General Assembly, the Centre Regional Chairman of the Social Democratic Front, SDF party, Jean Bitongo.

Some traditional rulers including; Fon Zofoa Ndofoa III of Babungo, Fon Fongwe of Ngemboh, Fon Teteh Robert of Ntuangyang, Fon Fonbort of Tonekwo, Fon Mbakwa Evans of Tugi, His Majesty Ndzengue Jean of Ozom I, His Majesty Eloundou Alphonse of Micomyos, His Majesty Mekonga Abbah Rodrigue of Bloc I Micomyos and a host of others, graced the ceremony with their presence.

It is worth noting that Barrister Ndangoh now holds the traditional function in accumulation with other functions in the political, socio-cultural and profession milieu.