By Stephen TADAHA
The Traditional Council of the Royal Kingdom of Bazou, a village in the Nde Division of the West Region, has called on all individuals directly involved in organizing the funeral of the late Fon as well as those participating in the selection of the new Fon to take a traditional oath.
This measure is believed to be aimed at protecting the succession process from external political influence, a concern that has affected many other Fondoms in the Grassfields region. It comes after the death of Fon Tchoua Kemajou Vincent of Bazou who passed away in December 2024 after 40 years of reign.
The oath requires them to swear “never to betray the late Fon, Fon Tchoua Kemajou Vincent” or face severe consequences, including the forfeiture of their lives.
“Fon” is a Grassfields term that loosely translates to “king” in English.
In an explanatory statement issued on January 8, 2025, the Council of Traditional Rulers outlined the necessity of taking this oath before any involvement in the succession process. The release emphasized that the decision was made to restore order within the kingdom, as since the passing of the late King, numerous outsiders have infiltrated the ranks of the elites, notables, servants, and the royal family. These individuals have been spreading conflicting information and engaging in slanderous speech, creating a toxic environment that has hindered the peaceful search for an heir to the throne.
The individuals required to take the oath include the elders of the 7 and 9 kingdoms, the Fon’s servants, notables from the 63 villages and districts within the Bazou Kingdom, princes and princesses, as well as members of the organizing committee for the late King’s funeral.
The oath-taking will consist of two pledges: “If I betray Fon Tchoua Kemajou Vincent, I will pay with my life,” and “I undertake to serve with probity, integrity, and without corruption throughout the entire process concerning the organization of the king’s funeral and the selection of the new king; otherwise, I will pay with my life.”
The release further clarifies that anyone who refuses to take the oath will not be permitted to participate in the process, should not make decisions, and their opinions should not be considered.
Bazou is a municipality in the West Region of Cameroon, consisting of 63 villages. It is one of the three subdivisions in the Ndé Division, located on the high plateau of the Bamileke, at an altitude ranging from 950 to 1400 meters above sea level.
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