Chief Bate-Epey crowned as ruler of Nfaitock

The people of Mfaitok have unanimously accepted to enthrone chief Bate-Epey Robert Oben as their ruler after a protracted power struggle lasting 15 years.

He was installed on Thursday, January 14, 2016, by the D.O of Tinto, Muluka Allain.

As tradition has it, the throne has to rotate among the three quarters of Mfaitok which are Beriep, Asekpo and Ntencho. Each quarter has a designated family head when it comes to ruler ship.

The original location of Nfaitock was around Ossing in Eyumojock Sub division but for fear of German control and because the ancestors wanted to be near the road, they migrated to their present location situated along the Kumba-Nguti-Mamfe road in upper banyang sub-division.

Ever since this migration, the natives of Nfaitock have decided to rotate their chieftaincy stool from one quarter to the other, among the three major quarters of the village.

Village sources say the late Chief Ayuk-Akpa Adolf supported this in his will before his death in 2000. Coming from Ntencho quarter, Chief Ayuk-Akpa Adolf willed the throne to Beriep quarter that by right had to produce the new chief. It is only today that the will of the late Chief and the Nfaitock people has been implemented.

So, after 15 years of struggle without a ruler, the elites of Nfaitock have finally come to a consensus, with HRH Chief Bate of the royal family of the Beriep quarter emerging as the new King of Nfaitock.

His throne is now accepted by all even though earlier on, some antagonisms had aroused leading to the holding of four consultative talks with administrative officials.

The enthronement ceremony was attended by the Brigade Commander, chiefs from other villages, quarter heads and the entire village community. A high point of the event was the reading of the law recognizing Chief Bate Epey as ruler of Mfaitok. There was fanfare, traditional displays showcasing the newfound unity and brotherhood in Nfaitock.

On his part, the DO expressed joy and satisfaction for the impressive turnout. He encouraged the elites to maintain a peaceful atmosphere so that development can come to their village.

After the event Nfaitock village elders, title holders and kingmakers were seen retiring to their homes in broad smiles. Some were heard chanting: Long live Beriep, long live ntencho, long live Asekpo, long live Nfaitock village!