Cameroon: Senior Divisional Officer selected as traditional ruler

Dr Absalom Woloa Monono has been selected as Chief-elect of Great Soppo following consultations conducted by the chiefdom’s seven kingmakers on August 4.

The kingmakers chose Dr Woloa over Barrister Henry Ngale Monono, brother of the late Chief Etina Monono Emmanuel, who was also contesting for the throne. Chief Etina died on May 7, 2026.

Dr Woloa is currently the Senior Divisional Officer of Faro Division in the North Region. He also serves as President of the Great Soppo Cultural and Development Association, GRESCUDA.

His selection concludes the immediate contest before the kingmakers, but it does not answer the important legal and public-interest questions raised before the consultations.

Article 17 of Decree No. 77/245 states that the function of a traditional chief is incompatible with another public function unless the combination is expressly authorised by the competent appointing authority. The same provision requires a chief to reside within the territory of the chiefdom.

Has Dr Woloa received the required authorisation to combine both offices? Will he leave or be transferred from his position as SDO of Faro? How will he reside in Great Soppo while serving hundreds of kilometres away in the North Region? What safeguards were put in place to prevent his administrative position from creating an advantage—or the perception of one—during the selection process?

Neither Dr Woloa nor the relevant administrative authorities have publicly answered these questions.

MMI News has not presented evidence that the kingmakers’ decision was manipulated. However, the declaration of a winner does not eliminate legitimate concerns about legality, residence, administrative influence and accountability. If anything, his selection makes clear answers even more necessary.

Great Soppo deserves a peaceful transition, but peace should not be mistaken for silence. The community also deserves transparency on how its new traditional ruler will reconcile the responsibilities of the chieftaincy with his continuing position as a senior territorial administrator.