Prominent Lebialem Traditional Ruler, Fon of Bechati Dies

By Tata Mbunwe

Lebialem Division has lost one of its oldest traditional rulers, HRM Fon Nkemtaji Jerry Jong of Bechati village in Wabane Subdivision. The member of the South West Regional Assembly passed away on March 5 in Bamenda after a prolonged illness.

As per tradition, his remains were discreetly transported to Bechati and buried the same night in a ceremony witnessed only by kingmakers and key traditional notables.

However, news of his passing only became public on March 13, when the Divisional Officer (DO) for Wabane, Aylagnigni Njimah Mama, issued a condolence statement to the Bechati community and the Nkemtaji royal family.

In his statement, the DO urged the late ruler’s family, notables, and elites to adopt dignified behavior that will honor the memory of this great man.”

Following his death, the Bechati Traditional Council declared a one-week mourning period, during which farming and strenuous activities were prohibited in the village.

Fon Nkemtaji Jerry Jong, who had ruled for over 30 years, was also a member of the South West Regional Assembly since 2020.

However, over the past eight years, his traditional leadership was deeply affected by the Anglophone Crisis, which forced him to seek refuge in Douala.

Future of Bechati Community

With his passing, kingmakers and the Nkemtaji family are now deliberating on the selection of his successor, who will be responsible for leading the village’s recovery from the ongoing crisis.

Though he maintained a low profile, Fon Jerry Jong is remembered for upholding Bechati’s traditions, promoting community development through community labor, and advocating for peace during a turbulent crisis period.

His passing comes as the village prepares for its annual Bechati Cultural Festival in April, raising uncertainties about leadership ahead of the event.

Bechati is one of eight villages that make up Wabane Subdivision in Lebialem Division.

The community, with an estimated population of over 10,000, has seen a significant exodus of its residents due to the Anglophone Crisis and migration for economic opportunities.

The village, alongside Fossimondi and Besali, is home to the Tofala Forest, a key conservation area known for hosting the endangered cross river gorilla species.

The forest has been the focus of ERuDeF, an environmental NGO based in Buea, dedicated to wildlife preservation.

As the Bechati community mourns its leader, focus is now on the future as they await to see who will wear the crown and guide Bechati through its next chapter.