By Solange Tegwi
Deities, oracles, custodians of the mysteries of tradition, dignitaries, indigenes and neighboring Fondoms of Lakasaff village in Boyo Division of the North West Region of Cameroon, watched with indescribable euphoria the ascension to the throne of their new traditional leader, Fon Ezekiel Nsah I.
The coronation took place after the disappearance of his father, HRH Fon Nsah Stephen Ngong II, on January 4, 2026, ending a 42-year reign.
Under the watch of the spiritual forces that saturated the heavens of Lakasaff village, the enthronement rites were conducted by the traditional kingmaker, Nji of Tung of Saff, with the attendance of the Fons of Ajung and Sawi, as well as notable figures such as Nji George Nsah and Nji Jum Chrisantus, among others.
Other Fons who showed up to partake in the grandiose ceremony included the Fon of Jul and that of Mbuk. Beating of traditional drums, chanting of village mothers, shouts of joyous youths, enveloped the royal premises as the newly coronate fon advanced majestically to sit on the royal seat as he received the baton of leadership.
Fon Ezekiel Nsah I succeed his father, HRH Fon Nsah Stephen Ngong II, who disappeared on January 4, 2026, after a 42-year reign.
Fon Nsah Stephen Ngong’s era was marked by tireless efforts to develop Saff Fondom. He pushed for infrastructure improvements, ensuring a road into Saff and the opening of new schools to boost education. His administration encouraged agricultural engagement by both men and women, reducing the fondom’s reliance on neighboring villages Bamti and Nkor for food.
Lakasaff, the kingdom at the heart of Saff, is the largest Fondom in Bum and includes villages such as Saff, Kichowi, Ngonafisi, Kituma, Kituya, Mulung, and portions of Fonfuka, Ngen, and Ngunakimbi, among others. Fon Ezekiel Nsah I, a banker by profession, inherits a mandate to uphold unity within the Fondom, lobby for additional development projects, and strengthen ties with neighboring communities.
Historically, prior to the infiltration and adulteration of the Western religions such as Christianity and Islam, the Saff village was predominantly traditional African spirituality with the people revering the goddess nehsahkajiki.
Although a great number have embraced foreign religion, a good number still offer sacrifices and view the goddess as the spiritual authority over the spiritual landscape of the fondom.
Lakasaff, the kingdom at the heart of Saff, is the largest Fondom in Bum and includes villages such as Saff, Kichowi, Ngonafisi, Kituma, Kituya, Mulung, and portions of Fonfuka, Ngen, and Ngunakimbi, among others. Fon Ezekiel Nsah I, a banker by profession, inherits a mandate to uphold unity within the fondom, lobby for additional development projects, and strengthen ties with neighboring communities.
Officials say Fon Ezekiel will be officially presented to the population in the coming months, a ceremony that will also mark the planned death celebration of the late Fon.
Local administrative authorities are expected to play a vital role during the official presentation of the new fon to the public as Fons are auxiliaries of the government. As Lakasaff enters a new chapter, the focus remains on continuing the progress of the Ngong era while fostering broader regional cooperation and development.