Fon Fontem Asaba has been enthroned to succeed late Senator and Fon of Fontem, Njifua Lucas, as paramount ruler of Lebang, the biggest Fondom in Lebialem division.
The 25-year-old Fontem Asaba was unveiled during a twin ceremony, Friday, May 9, to celebrate the life of his father and to enthrone him at the Azi Palace grandstand.
The ceremony began with the official announcement of the transition of the Fon by traditional authorities of the Lebang Fondom. General wailing followed the announcement, as kingmakers singled out members of the new traditional cabinet. Those selected were then taken into the Fon’s cabinet for in camera enthronement rites before a solemn public appearance of the new Fon and his cabinet.
Fon Fontem Asaba holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of Buea. He was in Canada pursuing a Masters Degree in Accountancy to certify as a Chattered Accountant.
Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, was personal representative of the Head of State, Paul Biya.
On behalf of President Biya, Sadi decorated Senator Fon Fontem Njifua posthumously with the Knight of the National Order of Valour.
Sadi said though death snatched the Fon at the apex of his political maturity and at a time when he still had much to offer to Cameroon’s development, he will be remembered for his “great personal quality and intellectual sagacity.”
The Head of State’s personal representative extended the gratitude of the nation to Fontem Njifua for his contribution in development and the assistance he offered the nation as auxiliary to the administration.
“…You died at a time when you were maturing; when you had gathered knowledge to serve the nation…we hope you are ushered in pomp and style into the world beyond, a reception commensurate to your rank and status in the company of your noble peers,” Sadi said.
President Biya in his eulogy, read on the occasion by Lebialem SDO, Simon Kwemo, described the late Fon as an exceptional statesman.
Fon Chafah XI, Secretary General of the National Council of Cameroon Traditional Rulers reassured Fon Fontem Asaba total support, describing his predecessor (Fontem Njifua) as a lion fighter, one who championed the fight for traditional rulers to get improved status.
On his part, Jerry Nkemtaji, Acting President of the South West Chiefs Conference (SWECC) said Fontem Njifua was exceptionally hardworking, friendly and lived his life building bridges to connect people.
Fon Foreke Asongtia II, Paramount Ruler of Foreke-Essoh-Attah and President of the Lebialem Fon’s Conference said Njifua’s transition to eternity left a big gap within the Lebang Fondom. He expressed on behalf of the Fons of Fontem his deepest sympathy and sentiments of brotherly solidarity. He promised their unconditional support to the new Fon.
Fon Teche Njei II, President of the North West Fons’ Union (NOWEFU) was also present at the ceremony together with fellow senators and members of the CPDM Central Committee, headed by its Secretary General, Jean Kuete.
Born on February 11, 1961 in Azi, Fontem Njifua was enthroned on April 27, 1982 as Fon of Lebang. He pursued education and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Law (L.L.B.). He graduated as a senior guidance counsellor in 1992 from the Higher Teacher Training College Yaoundé.
He was Questor and member of the Bureau of the Senate, Founding and Substantive member of the CPDM Central Committee, President of the South West Chiefs’ Conference, and Wiseman of the National Forum of Traditional Rulers. He died as Commander of the National order of Merit.
After his coronation, the new Fon is said to have sent out a text message to a friend in the crowd saying ‘The lion is back on the throne.”
