𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬, president of the Akum Welfare Association (AWA) UK, pays hommage to the recently missing Fon of Akum.
It is a profound privilege to pay tribute to an extraordinary leader, a devoted father, and a revered king— His Royal Highness Fon George Ndikum II—whose reign stands as a beacon of wisdom, resilience, and cultural preservation worthy of emulation.
Ascending the throne on 7 January 1958, following the passing of his father, Fon George Ndikum II embarked on a journey of leadership that spanned nearly sixty-six remarkable years. His reign was characterised by unwavering grace, sagacity, and an enduring commitment to the well-being of his people. Under his stewardship, the Fondom of Akum flourished as a custodian of our rich cultural heritage, safeguarding the rituals, traditions, and ancestral wisdom that define our identity and bind us to our history for generations to come.
Visit to the UK
For much of his reign, the Fon remained steadfastly devoted to his people, residing within the palace and serving as a symbol of continuity and care. Yet, in 2023, in an immense gesture of magnanimity, he accepted our invite, gracing the Akum Welfare Association UK (AWA UK) with his presence at a landmark fundraiser dedicated to supporting the underprivileged and Internally Displaced Children in Akum. This historic event not only showcased his commitment to advancing the lives of his people but also elevated Akum’s cultural heritage to a global stage.
As President of AWA UK, I was honoured to host His Royal Highness during his visit and to witness his vivacious energy, eloquence, and unwavering passion for our shared heritage at close proximity. Over the course of three transformative days, his radiant smile and inspiring words captivated all in attendance. In his keynote address, he underscored “𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝐶𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑈𝑝𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝐶ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑛”—a message that resonated profoundly and reaffirmed his belief in culture as the foundation of communal strength and identity.
During this momentous visit, I had the unparalleled honour of receiving the 𝑅𝑒𝑑 𝐹𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 (𝑵𝒕𝒐𝒉, ceremonial staff,) and Black Cap from the Fon—a deeply symbolic act rooted in the traditions of Akum. This gesture, rare and profoundly meaningful, symbolises trust, authority, and the Fon’s blessings extended to a member of his kin. The 𝑅𝑒𝑑 𝐹𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 embody the delegation of responsibility, recognition of honourable service, and the empowerment to uphold our cherished traditions and values—a commitment I am unequivocally bound by. While I am deeply humbled by this recognition, I acknowledge that it belongs not to me alone but to the collective efforts of the Akum Community UK, whose unity and perseverance earned this moment of distinction for us all.
Lasting Legacy
Beyond his role as a traditional ruler, Fon George Ndikum II was a unifier, a mentor, and a visionary leader. His sage counsel—advocating for the teaching of the Akum dialect to our children and fostering communal ties—reflected his enduring commitment to the preservation of our culture, unity and progress. His leadership illuminated the path forward, inspiring us to treasure and uphold the legacy he so diligently preserved.
Tragically, just one year after his historic visit to the UK, Fon George Ndikum II transitioned to glory, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his people. According to the hallowed traditions of the Grasslands of the Ngemba people, a Fon is never said to have “passed away” but is instead regarded as “missing,” a term that underscores his extraordinary status and the eternal reverence accorded to his legacy.
As we celebrate the life of this remarkable leader, we also commemorate a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Fon George Ndikum II’s unwavering dedication to preserving Akum’s cultural heritage ensures that our traditions remain a bridge connecting the richness of our past to the promise of our future. May his spirit continue to guide us with the wisdom, grace, and strength he so brilliantly exemplified.
Rest in eternal peace, Your Royal Highness. Your indelible legacy endures in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know you.
Respectfully,
𝐁𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬
(𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐖𝐀 𝐔𝐊)
