Serious tension is brewing in Bangolan, Babessi Subdivision, Ngoketunjia Division, North West Region of Cameroon, after the Ngumba (traditional council) reportedly dethroned Senator Chafah Isaac Mbungka on February 13, 2026.
The council announced that the community has officially parted ways with him and begun a seven-week cleansing process ahead of the enthronement of a new Fon, following a one-week mourning period for his predecessor.
The Ngumba accuses him of abandoning the village for over 10 years and allegedly destroying sacred ancestral objects in the name of Christianity. They also declared him no longer welcome in Bangolan.
This is not the first time such action has been taken, as a similar move occurred in 2016.
According to community sources, the crisis dates back to 2014, when his crown was reportedly removed in Bamenda by Prophet John Chi of Ark of God Ministry, an act considered sacrilegious by tradition. In 2015, sacred sites and shrines were allegedly desecrated, leading to repeated summons by the Ngumba, which he reportedly ignored.
Since 2016, he has not returned to the village and was declared persona non grata by the community. Recent attempts at reconciliation in 2025 reportedly failed due to low community participation. The situation remains tense as Bangolan prepares for the selection of a new traditional ruler.
Authorities and residents are calling for calm and respect for tradition during this sensitive period.