The Kingmakers of Manyemen village in Kupe Muanenguba, South West, have designated Williams Bisong as the new Chief of the 3rd Class Chiefdom.
However, other contestants of the Chieftaincy stool have mounted stiff opposition to the choice of the new ruler, terming him a stranger.
The announcement of US-based Williams Bisong as new Chief was expected to settle a longstanding succession dispute that has plagued the village since the late Chief, HRH Eben Jacob Nkongho, died in August 2022.
However, the much-expected peace has not been realized. Eben Tong Simon, nephew to the late chief, told The Sun newspaper the newly designated chief is from Betock, a neighboring village.
He also accused the SDO of Kupe Muanenguba and the DO of Nguti of imposing a Chief on the village.
Rather, they have argued that, following their traditions, the rightful heir to the throne is the Crown Prince, Barrister Eben Smith Nkongho, who was reportedly designated by the late chief to succeed him.
Many are surprised by this objection because the designation of Mr Williams Bisong as Chief came after a consultative meeting organized by the Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Mungambo Ekema William, at the Divisional Office in Bangem on November 22.
The meeting was a follow-up to earlier talks on November 9, which witnessed the dissolution of the old Manyemen Traditional Council and the creation of a new council.
During the gathering, the SDO addressed concerns raised by Manyemen elites, citing issues such as the misuse of village land, collaboration with undesirable elements, and the general decline of security and order in the village.
He emphasised the importance of integrity and honesty in leadership, urging adherence to the custom and traditions of the Upper Balong people in choosing a new chief.
After revising the kingmakers and notables from the Ntimbuk, Njet, Ndong, and Bafeme families, Mr. Mungambo presented three candidates: Barrister Eben Smith Nkongho, Linusing Orock Tabi, and Williams Bisong, all from the Njet family.
The kingmakers were sent to discuss and nominate a chief.
Bateh Francis from the Bafeme Family, the eldest kingmaker, announced that Williams Bisong had been chosen as the new chief, leading to jubilant celebrations among the kingmakers and Bisong’s family members.
Mr Williams Bisong, born of the Njet family in Manyemen, boasts an impressive background.
He pursued education locally and internationally, acquiring a certificate in Mechanical Engineering from the London Institute and later delving into research and pig farming in the United States.
Bisong, currently residing in Houston, Texas, owns four companies and works as a Mechanical Engineer Consultant with Radiant Oil and Gas Inc.
He is married to Regina Besong-Esim, and together they have four children.
The newly designated chief is poised to bring positive changes to Manyemen, focusing on peace, security, and community development.
