By Tata Mbunwe
CRTV’s Political Desk Editor, Albert Njie Mbonde, has been coronated as the fifth monarch of Bokwaongo-Membea village in Buea, South West Region.
He was coronated by the Paramount Chief of Buea, HRM Robert Esuka Endeley, during an event held at Pala Pala Field Bokwaongo on June 7, 2025.
The event attracted hundreds of people, including traditional rulers, journalists, administrative officials and indigenes of Bokwaongo.
Before putting the crown on Chief Njie Mbonde’s head, Chief Esuka Endeley symbolically removed his shoes and declared both in the Mokpe language: “The stool of Bokwaongo is one of the most important stools in Bakweri land. That’s why I go barefoot.”
Njie Mbonde succeeds Chief Elkana Molua Messe, who died in late 2023. He was designated as Chief on March 19, 2025, by kingmakers of the village during consultative talks coordinated by the Divisional Officer of Buea Abba Abdourahman.
A cross section of villagers bursted out in jubilation after the seasoned journalist was selected out of three Chieftaincy contestants.
He called for unity in the village and promised to attend to the community’s need for water and electricity and curb illegal land sales.
The coronation of Njie Mbonde comes after a prefectural order from the Senior Divisional Officer of Fako recognized him as Chief of Bokwaongo.
It came amidst opposition from some natives of Bokwaongo who said Mr Njie Mbonde wasn’t the rightful heir to the throne, based on their tradition.
His coronation however cements his position as Chief of the village.
