Remembering the Disappeared Fon of Akum

The Northwest Region of Cameroon mourns the ‘disappearance’ of HRH Fon George Ngwashi Ndikum II, the revered Fon of Akum, also known as “Small London.” After ruling the Akum clan for an extraordinary 66 years, the Fon passed away at the age of 89. His disappearance, as per tradition, signifies his transition to join the ancestors.

Fon Ndikum was one of the oldest and most respected figures in the region. He served as a member of the Northwest Regional House Assembly and was a steadfast advocate for peace in an area devastated by armed conflict since 2016. As an adviser in the region, his wisdom and guidance were invaluable. “When I am with them, I tell them that I am more or less their dictionary, their Bible, and that anything is in doubt, they should ask me,” he had said, reflecting his deep connection to his people.

A passionate proponent of peaceful conflict resolution, Fon Ndikum condemned the use of arms, particularly in addressing the Anglophone crisis. His leadership was marked by efforts to reconcile disputes amicably. He chaired the Northwest House of Chiefs during the harrowing period when Fon Yakub of Bangorain was kidnapped and held captive for over a year. “All we pray is that God should give us long lives to do what we can before we pass away,” he once said, underscoring his dedication to his duties until the very end.

On a visit to his people in the United Kingdom, Fon Ndikum encouraged the diaspora to contribute to the development of their homeland. “They should not forget that they are from a village in Cameroon. They see the beauty of the UK. I want them to imitate. Akum is called Small London. I want it to be a whole London. That will be done through hard work,” he urged.

Fon Ndikum’s legacy is deeply rooted in development and community building. Despite ascending to the throne at a young age, he quickly brought his people together with a vision for progress. “We sat down with the notables and a few elites and decided on how Akum could be developed. We started by digging roads in the village to connect the quarters. We did this, and then the missionary who was in Akum at that time came to me and wanted a plot for a hospital. I invited a couple of people who had some large plots, and we agreed and gave out the land to the church,” he recalled in a 2017 interview.

Under his reign, the village saw significant infrastructural improvements, including the construction of roads and a community hall that became a venue for marriages and other significant events. Ensuring access to drinking water was another key project that Fon Ndikum championed. His commitment to development earned him widespread respect among his people.

Fon Ndikum was also a staunch defender of Akum’s rich cultural heritage. Despite modern influences, he ensured that traditional practices and values remained strong. “Akum people have a very rich culture, and they are doing everything to maintain this rich culture. In all the quarters, we have traditional dances for both the men and the women. As concerns marriages, we intermarry,” he said, highlighting the cultural vibrancy of his community.

The establishment of the Akum Fondom, comprised of 25 quarters, has seen the reign of eight fons, with Fon Ndikum’s leadership being particularly transformative. His historical knowledge and leadership style provided a strong foundation for the community.

Excerpts from an Interview with Fon Ndikum

This interview was conducted by Francis Ekongang Nzante of Cameroon People Magazine and Manasse Vushigo of Sky Sports Radio, Bamenda and is published in its entirety on the Akum Welfare Association United Kingdom (AWA-UK) website.

Who are your neighbors and what type of relationship do you have with them?

“Formerly, Akum was bordered by Bali, Pinyin, Babadjou, Baligham, Awing, Bambili, Nkwen, and Mankon. Now with the coming of other villages, the colonial masters who were here took Akum land and gave it to Mbatu, Chomba, Nsongwa, Alateneng, Mbei, Njong, and Mendangnkwe. These are the villages that were given land to settle. Now with the present administration, I also have boundaries with Mendangnkwe, Mankon, Mbatu, Nsongwa, Alateneng, Mbei, Njong.”

Why is Akum sometimes referred to as Small London?

“It is a nickname that came about when the Colonial Masters were still here. Most of the Akum people worked under them as cooks and stewards. When the Europeans were going on leave, they would say they were going to London. Some of them stayed in London for a month or two. Akum people who worked for them during these periods equally said that they were going on leave to Small London. That’s exactly how that name came about.”

The Bamenda metropolis seems to be expanding much more towards Bambili and Mankon, Bali and Bafut than it is doing towards Akum. What do you think accounts for this?

“I think that Akum is also expanding because the Bamenda City Council has expanded to one of my quarters, Azaane. That’s my boundary with Mankon where you have the old CENAJES. This is an indication that the city is expanding into Akum as well.”

Can titles be bought in Akum?

“There are two types of titles. There is the title of Nkum or King Maker. They have their number and this number increases only when a Fon is lost. When this happens, the first son joins the group. This title cannot be bought. The second title which somebody can come up for is the Cho. It is not anybody who comes up for it. When somebody comes up for it, we have to be sure that the person in question is of good morals meriting such a title. The third title is that of the red feather. Formerly, when a young man in the village killed a tiger, he was entitled to a red feather.”

Can His Highness use this medium to send out a message to his subjects?

“I call on my subjects both in Cameroon and the Diaspora to always remember home no matter what they become and where they are. Each time I travel abroad, I always advise them. We have a shrine here in Akum called Minjiilem, and we go there every year to pray to our ancestors to bless the yields so that we have plenty of food.”

A Legacy of Unity and Progress

As the Akum community reflects on the life and reign of Fon George Ngwashi Ndikum II, they celebrate a leader who was deeply committed to the development and cultural preservation of his people. His disappearance into eternal glory leaves behind a legacy of unity, progress, and cultural richness that will inspire future generations.

Mimi Mefo Info