In a significant development in the chieftaincy crisis in Manyemen, Kupe Muanenguba Division, South West region of Cameroon, the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Kupe Muanenguba, Mungambo Ekema Williams, has nullified the appointment of Mr. Besong Williams as the designated chief of Manyemen. This decision, issued on December 7, 2023, comes after a year of controversy and petitions challenging the legality of Besong Williams’s appointment.
Background of the Crisis
The chieftaincy dispute in Manyemen began following the death of Chief Eben Jacob in 2022. The throne was declared vacant, and the process to select a new chief was initiated. However, the appointment of Besong Williams as the new chief by the SDO was met with resistance from the local community and family heads, who argued that the selection process did not adhere to traditional norms and procedures.
Petition and Overturn
In an October 7 letter, copied to the Presidency and Prime Ministry, the family heads of Manyemen highlighted several irregularities in the selection and endorsement of Besong Williams. They argued that the procedure lacked transparency and did not involve the traditional kingmakers of the village. The petition led to a review of the decision, resulting in the SDO’s recent order to nullify the appointment.
Fresh Consultative Talks
Following the nullification, the SDO has instructed the Divisional Officer (DO) for Nguti to convene fresh consultative talks within fifteen days. These talks aim to begin the due process of selecting a new traditional ruler for Manyemen, ensuring that the selection adheres to established traditional procedures and involves all relevant stakeholders.
Community Reaction
The decision to nullify Besong Williams’s appointment and the announcement of fresh consultative talks have been welcomed by the Manyemen community. Franklin Sone Bayen, media spokesperson for the Manyemen family heads, stated, “Without a doubt, superiors of the SDO have heeded the cries of the people of Manyemen, giving instructions for fresh consultative talks towards choosing a new traditional ruler for Manyemen. The people of Manyemen have thus won.”
Manyemen Chieftaincy Crisis: SDO Deposes Appointed Chief, Announces Fresh Consultative Talks
