North West Fons Reject Eto’o’s ‘Ntumfoyn’ Title

North West Fons, through the House of Chiefs, have distanced themselves from the recent crowning of Samuel Eto’o as Ntumfoyn, which they interpreted as Fon of Fons, stating that the act undermines the customs and traditions of the region.

Football legend, Samuel Eto’o, received the title in Douala on Friday from HRH Fon Ju Wilson, the traditional ruler of Koshin village in Menchum Division, North West.

He offered Eto’o the title Ntumfoyn, meaning palace messenger, but many have interpreted it to mean Fon of Fons, a rare title jointly conferred by traditional rulers of the North West.

The only holder of the Fon of Fons title at the moment is President Paul Biya, although many have continued to question whether Biya, who has been in power for 42 years, deserved the title.

Politicisation of the Action

In a statement on Saturday, January 18, Fon Yakum Kevin Teveuh, President of the North West House of Chiefs, a political body grouping traditional rulers in the Region, said the crowning of Samuel Eto’o violates laws governing Chieftaincy in Cameroon.

“This unauthorized coronation is one of many actions stemming from the lack of implementation of the Special Status as envisioned by lawmakers and endorsed by the President of the Republic,” Fon Yakum wrote.

“In accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned law, and in fulfilment of the oath I took as President of the House of Chiefs to defend the cultural heritage of the North West Region, I hereby dissociate the North West Fons from the coronation of Samuel Eto’o Fils by the aforementioned Fon…,” he added.

He also stated that North West Fons have conferred the title Fon of Fons on just one person: President Paul Biya.

Fon Yakum Kevin apparently misunderstood the Ntumfoyn title, according Henry Kejang, a prince from the North West Region and press officer of the SDF party.

In a statement reacting to Fon Yakum’s release, he says Samuel Eto’o “was never conferred the title of ‘Fon of Fons”.

Messenger to the Fon

He further clarifies that Eto’o’s Ntumfoyn title is a distinction from the Koshin palace, not from North West Fons, as the House of Chiefs has interpreted it.

The title Ntumfoyn requires Eto’o to “speak for the palace, mediate on its behalf, and promote peace, unity, and living together within the community,” Kejang wrote.

Moreso, when the Fon of Koshin, HRH Ju Wilson, conferred the title on Eto’o, he said it meant Eto’o would become a messenger of the Koshin palace.

However, the controversy surrounding the title stems from the traditional apparel which Fon Ju put on Eto’o.

He dressed the Cameroon Football Association President with a revered traditional cap, decorated with porcupine quills and cowries, which only traditional rulers are permitted to wear.

The North West House of Chiefs President did not address this concern, which might be the core of the coronation controversy.

Mimi Mefo Info