Political desk editor and ace sports commentator with the Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV), Njie Mbonde Albert, has been crowned Chief of Bokwaongo-Membea village in the Buea Municipality, South West Region.
The coronation took place on Saturday, 7 June 2025, in a colourful ceremony attended by traditional leaders, local authorities, and guests from across Cameroon and beyond.
Albert Njie Mbonde, 45, was officially installed as the new traditional ruler following his selection by the village’s Kingmakers during consultative talks held on 19 March 2025. His appointment was confirmed by the Senior Divisional Officer of Fako, Viang Mekala Englebert, on 7 April 2025.
The celebrations began on Friday, 6 June, with traditional dances, a mini-mountain race from the Bokwaongo market to Savannah, a football match, cultural night, and live musical performances.
The coronation was led by prominent traditional rulers, including the Paramount Chief of Buea, HRM Chief Dr Robert Esuka Endeley; the Paramount Chief of Limbe, HRM Chief John Elufa Manga Williams; and the President of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference, Chief Ottu Molungu Thomas.
In his speech, HRM Chief Endeley reminded attendees that the Bokwaongo Chiefdom is one of the most significant in Bakweri land, especially during ritual ceremonies due to its location along a key path to Mount Cameroon. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the process of selecting traditional rulers in such culturally significant villages.
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Officer for Buea, Dr Abba Abdourahman, called on the new Chief to build unity among the six major clans of the village – Etome, Wonjia, Wona Molua, Wona Makunde, Bwefua, and Wondiva – and to govern without discrimination. “You are the Chief of all the families and all sociological components of your village, without distinction,” the DO said. He urged Chief Njie Mbonde to lead with transparency and ensure proper management of community land and resources.
Chief Nganje Isaac, President of the Buea Subdivisional Conference of Chiefs, described the coronation as the beginning of a new chapter. He encouraged the new Chief to lead with wisdom, humility, and service, drawing inspiration from the leadership of Jesus Christ. The new Chief was also advised to take a firm stance against harmful practices such as witchcraft, mob justice, and poisoning, and to uphold moral integrity while remaining impartial in the face of competing interests.
As tradition demands, Chief Njie Mbonde Albert will now undergo a seven-day period at Ndawa Mbando, a sacred space where he is expected to commune with the gods. This spiritual retreat is meant to prepare him to fully assume the responsibilities of his office with divine guidance and blessing.
Chief Mbonde succeeds the late Chief Elkana Molua Nako of the Wondua Royal Family, to which he also belongs. His enthronement marks a significant moment for the Bokwaongo community after years of leadership by his predecessor.
Chief Njie Mbonde Albert is married and a father of four.
Jude Viban, in Buea
