Inhabitants of Bawum, a Second Class Fondom in Bafut, Mezam Division of the North West Region, have been remembering their late Fon in a traditional ritual known as ‘Nikwi’.
The event is unfolded under the patronage of the reigning monarch, Wana Ntoh II.
‘Nekwi’, loosely translated as ‘cry die’, is a norm in the locality that celebrates the death of a traditional ruler years after his passing away.
Fon Ntoh Nicolas Ambe Mulah passed away in 1996 and was succeeded by HRH Wana Ntoh II.
“The Nikwi is very significant to a people because the fon is the father of everyone within his jurisdiction; so, his death celebration is not like that of an ordinary man. That is why the entire village, including almost all villages in Mezam were led by their fons to this special event,” traditional authorities said in a document obtained by MMI.
Proper Planning
The delay in celebrating the ‘Nikwi’ of the late Fon, according to Bawum traditional authorities, was to ensure proper planning.
“The reason why it took this long to celebrate the Nikwi of Fon Nicholas is simple. The present fon, princes, and princesses deemed it necessary to give themselves enough time to plan and give him a befitting celebration,” traditional authorities said.
They added: “To prepare for this befitting burial, the princes, princesses, and villagers have given the palace a new facelift, and it is now one of the most constructed palaces in the Northwest region.”
For the past few days, local indigenes have been paying respect to the late natural ruler in colour and sound.
The occasion, which kicked off on December 27 and is expected to end on January 7, features traditional dances and cultural displays demonstrating the rich heritage of the Bawum people.
Some prominent traditional rulers of neighbouring villages attended the event.
Among them were the Fons of Mankon, Nsongwa, Mambu, Nchomba, and Chomba.
Who are the Bawum People?
Bawum is a village in Bafut Subdivision, with a population of about 10,000 people. It is a Second Class Fondom.
Its early indigenes migrated from Bamunyam, a locality between Foumban and Ngoundere in the western region of Cameroon.
According to oral history, they left Bamunyam in the 14th century.
They first settled at a place known then as Ala’anteh.
From there, they further migrated towards Bafut, settling at a place called Mbebili. The place was already inhabited.
They peacefully cohabited with the Mbebili people before setting out to settle in present-day Bawum.
With a rich cultural history, Bawum is a tourist destination hosting an eco village, which attracts visitors from within and outside Cameroon.
