The Paramount Fon of Fontem in Lebialem Division, HRM Fontem Asabaton, has met with the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ismael Bidoung Mpkatt, to discuss the reconstruction of the Fontem Palace, which has existed for over 100 years but suffered significant damages due to the Anglophone Crisis.
He is also seeking the government’s support for the repatriation of the cultural artefacts of the Bangwa people illegally exported to Europe during the colonial era.
The Fon, accompanied by two members of his royal entourage, was received in the Minister’s cabinet in Yaounde May 12.
On the reconstruction of the palace, the Fon explained that the destruction of the structure has been enormous since the beginning of the ongoing armed conflict in the North West and South West regions.
The palace, which stands as one of the oldest in Cameroon dating back to 1914, has served not only as a royal residence but also as a place of protection for the Bangwa people and a grooming institution for successors of neighboring Fons.
Based in Azi, the Fontem Palace is the seat of traditional authority for the Bangwa people of Lebialem.
Given the palace’s historical importance, Fon Asabaton argued that its reconstruction is necessary as it symbolizes a safe haven not only for the Fontem people but for many nationals.
The palace was reportedly looted and destroyed by separatist fighters led by a native, Oliver Lekeaka, who styled himself Field Marshal of Lebialem.
The popular warlord was accused of stealing royal artefacts and crowning himself king of Lebialem during the early years of the nine-year Anglophone Crisis.
He was eventually killed in what is believed to be a separatist infighting and his body was retrieved and paraded by the Cameroon military in Kumba in July 2022.
Minister Bidoung Mpkat acknowledged the fondom’s interest in the preservation of cultural heritage and pledged the government’s support.
He said the Fon should list the Fontem Palace on the national heritage list and to work with the Mayor of Menji to mature a reconstruction project for the Ministry to allocate funds.
On the subject of repatriation, the Fon explained that the fondom, through its elites, had already begun negotiations with foreign countries for the return of their cultural objects. A number of objects had been identified in some museums in Germany, with origin studies carried out and documentation ready for repatriation.
These efforts predated the establishment of the interministerial committee in charge of repatriation. The Fon and his people pleaded with the Ministry of Arts and Culture to facilitate diplomatic procedures so that their objects could be included in the list of items set to return to Cameroon.
The Minister also asked the Fon to appoint someone who will work closely with the ministry’s technical team for follow-up on both projects.
