The longstanding debate over the conferment of traditional titles in the North West Region resurfaced during the March session of the North West Regional Assembly, drawing renewed attention from both traditional rulers and administrative officials.
Members of the House of Chiefs reopened their concerns about the current system for awarding traditional titles, which resulted in tensions.
Concerns Over Title Conferment Practices
The House of Chiefs criticised what they described as an indiscriminate and uncoordinated approach to title conferments by some traditional authorities.
“The House of Chiefs came out the other time vehemently and strongly condemned that act, but it is still persisting,” said HRH Kulla Aaron, traditional ruler of Aba. He cited recent incidents in Douala, Momo Division, and Santa, where the House deemed it inappropriate to award titles to individuals.
One such case involved the traditional ruler of Koshing, who decorated FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o Fils in Douala. The attire and manner of the conferment were viewed by the House of Chiefs as not aligning with traditional norms.
Governor Lele Calls for Order
Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique addressed the issue, citing past instances of disputes following the awarding of traditional titles. “I still remember what happens after traditional rulers decorate authorities who visited the region,” he noted.
While acknowledging the autonomy of traditional rulers in honouring individuals, Governor Lele emphasised the need for such practices to align with established customs. “Now, as far as other fons are concerned, the Fon of Kom, for example, is free to recognise those who he thinks deserve to be given titles. Only his notables can contest the decision,” he said. This highlights the significance of following internal palace procedures.
Omission of High-Profile Title Raises Questions
Despite the widespread criticism over recent title awards, observers have pointed out a notable silence regarding the controversial conferment of the title “Fon of Fons” to President Paul Biya many decades ago. This title, according to several traditional scholars, has no grounding in the customs of the North West Region.
This high-profile award remains a source of debate among cultural commentators and the public since it was conferred, yet those currently advocating for reforms have not formally questioned it. This case lacks scrutiny, which raises concerns about selective accountability and suggests that political considerations influence the contestation of some title conferments while others are ignored.
Call for Harmonized Procedures
To address the ongoing challenges, Governor Lele urged the House of Chiefs to develop a structured framework for title conferment. “As far as this institution (the Regional Assembly) is concerned, the fons have to sit and come up with something regarding the traditional titles. After they table their proposals to the adoption of the assembly on how to give titles, and once it’s adopted, they will implement it,” he proposed.
The controversy over traditional titles is not a new issue in the region. Recently, there have been cases where titles were conferred without consulting traditional councils or the fons. Critics argue that such practices erode the credibility of traditional authority and risk reducing significant cultural rituals to symbolic acts devoid of traditional legitimacy.
As the Regional Assembly continues its deliberations, attention remains focused on the House of Chiefs and the steps they may take to address the concerns raised.
