Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
His Majesty Fon Yakum Kevin Teuvih, Supreme Fon of Bambalang, the locality where Samuel Eto’o was crowned 3rd degree Fon Ju Wilson on Friday, has disassociated himself from this traditional event. On Friday 17 January 2025, Samuel Eto’o was bestowed the title of Ntumfoyn by Fon Ju Wilson 3rd degree from the village of Koshin in the district of Fungom, Menchum department. The photos and videos of the ceremony went viral in the Cameroonian web space, receiving lots of backlash from both North westerners and citizens from other regions who expressed their annoyance at this traditional title given to the former Indomitable Lion by Fon Ju Wilson, who claimed to be acting on behalf of the Fons of the region in question.
In the wake of this controversy, the President of the North West House of Chiefs, His Majesty Fon Yakum Kevin Teuvih, stated his disagreement in a statement signed on 18 January 2025. According to the communiqué from the first-degree chieftaincy, this act totally contradicts the customs and traditions of the Fungom people. Worse still, His Majesty Fon Yakum Kevin considers that their culture has been desecrated.
Below is the letter of the Fon of Bambalang obtained by Lebledparle.com :
PUBLIC NOTICE
The President of the North West House of Chiefs, HRM Fon Yakum Kevin Teuvih, observes with consternation the crowning of Cameroon’s Legendary Football Icon Samuel Eto’o Fils, with the title of “Fon of Fons” and/or “NTUMFOYN” by Fon JU Wilson, the 3rd Class Fon of KOSHIN village in FUNGOM Sub Division, Menchum Division purporting to act on behalf of the Fons of the North West Region.
The Fons of the North West Region are organized under the House of Chiefs, established by Law No. 2019/024 of 24 December 2019, as part of the Special Status conferred on the region. This institution is entrusted with the responsibility to rule on matters relating to the cultural heritage of the region.
Unfortunately, out of disregard for the law or personal preferences, certain individuals in positions of power have decided to undermine the law, to which the Head of State attaches significant importance for resolving the various crises plaguing our country. The 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.
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 and inform the National public that:
1- There is only one “Fon of Fons” – H.E. Paul Biya.
2- Regional titles should only be awarded by constituted authorities.
3- Fons are custodians of our cultural heritage.
4- The Head of State has provided a platform (the House of Chiefs) through which the voices of Fons can be heard.
5- Individuals should desist from participating in or endorsing the desecration of our culture.
This public disclaimer serves as a clarification and a call for the respect of the laws and customs of the land.
Bamenda, 18 January 2025
HRM Fon Yakum Kevin Teuvih
Paramount Fon of Bambalang
