Chief Atem Ebako, President of the South West House of Chiefs, paid a visit to the palace of Chief Ewome Eko John, popularly known as Moja Moja, in Bwassa village after the palace suffered an arson attack on Monday.
Chief Ebako was accompanied by the Buea Paramount Ruler and members of the Buea Chiefs Conference.
In the night breaking Monday, July 15, 2024, one of the bedrooms in the palace was set ablaze before village youths intervened to quench the flames. The flames also destroyed part of the building’s roof.
“This incident puts the chieftaincy institution in the South at risk,” said Chief Ebako in an interview.
He recalled: “Yesterday, it was Bokwoango, the other day it was Bova, after that it was the Tiko area. We also have the case of Missaka and today we are here to see a case of arson-burning down a palace.”
Considering it an attack against the Chieftaincy institution, the House of Chiefs President said violence should never be implored to pass a message.
“Whoever does not like the Chieftaincy institution must leave violence and come out and tell us his reasons,” he said adding that, “We are only asking the finger of God. Let him use his grace to touch the hearts of those who think the Chieftaincy institution should not enjoy peace and recognition.”
Fear has gripped Bwassa village ever since the unusual incident occured.
Chief Eko Nganje, President of Buea Chiefs Conference, has called for calm as investigations are going on.
“If our colleague slept in the palace, the story would have been a different thing now,” he said.
“We are saying that the people of Bwassa should remain calm.The State is doing everything to make sure that the culprits are brought to book.”
The occupant of the palace, Chief Ewome Eko John, who is a member of the Cameroon Army, has reportedly been detained and is being investigated.
This was after he revealed an alleged plot by his superiors to overthrow President Paul Biya through a coup.
