Akum People Brace Up For Designation Of New Fon

 The people of Akum, a village in the Santa Subdivision of Cameroon’s Northwest region, will soon have a new Fon. The designation event known by Akum people as 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝐹𝑜𝑛 will take place on December 22, 2024. The stoning of the new Fon, marks a significant cultural event deeply rooted in Akum’s cherished traditions, a ceremony that has not occurred in 66 years.

It is a symbolic ritual that involves the gentle throwing of small pebbles at the designated Fon. It is packed with ancestral customs and meaning.Thousands of Akum people, including its elites, are expected to attend the event from around the world. Some of them are Cameroon Minister of Territorial Administration, Minister Atanga Nji; West Governor, Augustine Awa Fonka; Dr. Chi Cornelius; SDO Che Patrick Ngwashi; Honourable Nji Paul Tumasang; and AWA General President Maitre Tumasang, among others.

Ritual Procedures

The journey to designate the new Fon begins with the Kwifor, Akum’s traditional council and custodian of heritage, selecting a worthy prince to ascend the throne. The chosen prince spends seven days in seclusion at the Kwifor shrine. During this time, he will avoid public appearances while preparing spiritually and traditionally for leadership. At the end of this period, the prince adorns himself in the Fon’s regalia, marking his readiness to lead.This ceremony, conducted by the Kwifor, officially establishes him as the designated Fon.

As a result of the sacred event, the new Fon is presented to the public for the symbolic stoning ritual. This act serves as communal acknowledgment of the Fon’s authority and involves a playful contest between the 𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑜ℎ𝑠 (traditional leaders) and the 𝐾𝑤𝑖𝑓𝑜𝑟. The two groups will then compete to “claim” the Fon, with the victors, whether the Tantohs or the Kwifor, gaining royal privileges. If the Tantohs prevail, they escort the Fon to the palace. If they lose to the Kwifor, they return the Fon to the 𝐾𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑚, a secluded shrine or sacred hut. The contest highlights the balance of power and mutual respect within Akum’s traditional governance.

Essence of stoning ritual

 
The stoning ritual signifies the Fon’s transition to an untouchable, sacred status. Through this act, the community symbolically releases grievances and commits to peace, unity, and respect for the Fon throughout his reign. This ritual, however, serves three key purposes, which are acceptance, reconciliation, and cultural pride. By a𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, it means the community publicly acknowledges and embraces the new Fon as their leader. Second, reconciliation occurs as grievances are set aside, reaffirming a commitment to harmony under the Fon’s leadership. After, there is a 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞, which reflects the resilience, unity, and heritage of the Akum people.

Designation Not Crowning

 This public stoning ritual marks the designated Fon’s first introduction to his people. What follows afterward is the 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚, which is 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄. That is communicated, followed by kwifor.

As Akum tradition dictates, participants will wear traditional garments: men and women will wear skirts made from dried banana stems or bamboo, with men bare-chested and women wearing black bras. 

The new Fon, HRH 𝐂𝐡𝐢 𝐄𝐮𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐠𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐈, will make a dignified entrance into the palace courtyard, flanked by the Kwifor and Akum elders. Barefoot and bare-chested. He will wear only a white cloth around his waist.

During this ritual walk, the crowd will gently throw pebbles, grass, and leaves at the Fon. This symbolic act marks the final moment he can face harm or disrespect. As the Fon sprints into the palace, he transitions to his sacred, untouchable status.

Post-Ritual Festival

After the ritual, the community will wash off the ash smeared on their bodies at nearby streams and change into vibrant traditional attires. These include embroidered gowns and headgear. Festivities will continue with music, dance, and celebration, marking the “reincarnation” of the “missing” Fon in his successor.

This rare tradition exemplifies the Akum people’s steadfast commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. 

As the Akum people celebrate this momentous occasion, they hope the new Fon will honour and uphold the legacy of his predecessor.

𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑖 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑀𝑎𝑚bo contributed to this report

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