New Dawn in Akum: Population Empowers Fon Ngwashi I Through "Stoning" Ritual


Cross Section Of Population At Akum Palace Esplanade 


By Raymond Dingana

Tradition has triumphed in Akum, a village in the Santa Sub-Division of the North West Region (NWR) of Cameroon, as multitudes turned out to witness the Stoning Ritual performed on a new Fon by the population as a way to empower him.

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, it was the turn of HRH Foh Chi Eugene Ngwashi I of Akum, who received spiritual empowerment from his people. Just as the population focused on the main gate to the inner chambers of the Akum Palace, the Fon emerged at high speed from among the princes, while the crowd threw symbolic stones at him as he ran into the inner chambers. 

This event took place under the watchful eyes of many traditional authorities from the North West Region, among others who came from far and wide.

What the Stoning Ritual Entails for the Ngemba Culture

According to Chief Paul Nji Tumasang, a notable of Akum, the ritual represents a spiritual empowerment from the people to the new Fon. 

"In Akum tradition, the stoning ritual is a peculiar action whereby the population grants mystical powers to the new Fon. The Fon disappears, and a new one is caught. We do this because the throne is never empty. Stoning is not meant to wound him; it is to give him the powers to take over the rulership of the land. That's what stoning means,"

 explains Chief Nji Tumasang.

The Significance of Dressing in Dry Plantain Leaves

Almost all attendees at the Akum Palace esplanade were dressed in dry plantain leaves, reminiscent of traditional attire. 

"We were told that the Fon was missing. We came here today hoping to find him, and if we didn't find him, we would continue mourning him until we catch a new one. After this ritual, we will gather the leaves and burn them under any tree in the palace," 

said Chief Paul Nji Tumasang.


Family Photo Of New Akum Fon, Other Fons, And Others

He also mentioned that the new Fon had three naming options. His great great grandfather was called Chinelum, and he is referred to as Chinelum. He could have chosen to take the name Chinelum I, or Ndikum II, given that his father was Ndikum I, or honor his father by adopting the name Ngwashi. Since Ngwashi did not name himself Ngwashi I, he is now known as Ngwashi I.


Stoning Ritual Taking Place 

Worthy of note is the fact that, Foh Chi Eugene Ngwashi I is taking over from his late father, Fon Ndi George Ngwashi II who disappeared on May 26, 2024 at the age 85. He ruled for 66 years before going to meet his ancestors. The new Fon is a Police Commission by profession.

drayinfos.com 


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