Youths in the Ewonda community, Buea, took to the streets on Thursday, April 24, to protest what they describe as illegal land grabbing by Chief Paul Tonga Molua, allegedly in collusion with administrative authorities.
The demonstrators, holding placards, stormed the disputed land—where bulldozers were actively working—and forced operations to halt. Despite an injunction issued by the Buea Administrative Court, the chief, who claims to represent “Lower Ewonda,” has continued excavation activities on the site.
How It Started
According to the protesting youths, Ewonda is a single village located between Buea Town and Bova, with boundaries also extending to Bunduma. They say the concept of “Lower Ewonda” is a fabrication.
Several years ago, Paul Tonga Molua declared himself chief of this so-called Lower Ewonda—a claim the locals dispute. The contested land lies within what they recognize as Ewonda proper. Following the construction of the Buea-Bonakanda road, many villagers relocated closer to the roadside but continued farming their ancestral lands for subsistence.
Now, with the alleged backing of regional officials, Paul Tonga is accused of selling these farmlands, which reportedly belong to over 20 families.
Youths Say No to Land Grab
During the protest, the youths forcefully stopped a caterpillar that was clearing the land, which they claim destroyed corn, banana, and other crops.
Efome Ferdinand Motutu, youth leader of Ewonda, expressed the community’s frustration.
“When they created this Ewonda village, we tried everything possible, but through their influence with the administrators, they were able to come and coronate the chief of Lower Ewonda. We allowed that to pass. Just recently, he has come to claim—with the aid of the governor, minister of land, and D.O.—he was issued a land certificate on all our lands,” he said.
“We, the youths of Ewonda, are passing a clear message. All this while, you people have not been seeing us because we are very peaceful. But it is very difficult nowadays to push the youths to the wall.”
Court Order Violated
When the protesters blocked the caterpillar, police deployed to the area attempted to intervene, nearly sparking a confrontation. Eventually, the bulldozer operator and accompanying surveyors, under police protection, vacated the premises.
“We don’t want any trouble. But if they want to see the other side of Ewonda youths, we are expecting them to come again,” said Motutu.
“This is a clear message to the administrators.”
He added that the land in question is the primary source of livelihood for many families in Ewonda and reiterated that there is no such entity as “Lower Ewonda.”
Governor Implicated
Protesters also accused South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai of supporting the land deals, claiming he has personally acquired and resold several hectares.
“The governor should tell us where we will stay,” one youth demanded.
These claims, however, have not been independently verified by MMI.
Following the protest, work at the site was halted. The youths have vowed to prevent any further attempts to access or sell the land. Interestingly, during their confrontation, they discovered that the bulldozer had encroached into Bova, a neighbouring village.
MMI reached out to Chief Paul Tonga Molua for comment but received no response. However, his elder brother distanced himself from the matter:
“I never participated in the inauguration of the chief. I am not part of it,” he said.
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