Ngwo Chieftaincy Crisis Deepens Over Succession

The chieftaincy crisis in Ngwo village, Momo Division, has deepened as residents question the proposed succession to the late traditional ruler.

At the centre of the dispute is whether a chief living thousands of kilometres away can effectively lead the community.

The late chief, Colonel Hans Anagho, left behind a vacant throne. His son, Randolph Asama Anagho, is reportedly being considered as his successor.

However, some villagers oppose the idea because Randolph has lived in the United States since completing secondary school.

Residents say they are not against the royal family retaining the throne. Instead, they want a chief who will live among the people.

They argue that Ngo’o faces serious security and development challenges. Therefore, they want a traditional ruler who can respond directly to those challenges.

Some residents have proposed that Randolph return permanently to the village. Alternatively, another member of the royal family could assume responsibility on the ground.

The dispute intensified during a consultation meeting convened by the Senior Divisional Officer for Momo.

According to residents, the administration sought consultations within the royal family before receiving a name for consideration.

A name was reportedly submitted initially, but concerns were raised over the choice.

The parties then agreed to wait until the wider community could participate in the process.

However, some residents emerged from the meeting frustrated. They accused the administration of moving towards a succession without fully addressing community concerns.

Residents also disputed claims that Randolph had already been formally designated as chief.

According to one resident, Randolph was presented by a small group during an earlier gathering. The move reportedly surprised other members of the community.

Prof Solomon Anagho said Randolph had not yet been formally designated by the royal family.

The controversy centres on an event reportedly held between June 3 and June 5, during which Randolph was presented or enthroned in the village.

Residents insist that the event did not follow the official succession process.

For them, the issue goes beyond lineage and tradition. They want a chief who can live among them and lead during difficult times.

They also point to insecurity, poor roads and limited development as major challenges facing the village.

Residents say the late chief was absent from the village for several years because of health problems and the insecurity crisis in the North-West.

According to Prof Solomon Anagho, a member of the royal family, his health prevented him from travelling frequently to Ngwo. The poor state of the roads also made travel difficult.

The prolonged absence, residents argue, contributed to growing problems within the community.

“The village is really like not being ruled,” Prof Solomon Anagho said, stressing the need for a leader who is physically present.

Residents fear that installing another chief who lives outside Cameroon could worsen the situation.

Consequently, they are calling for a transparent succession process that addresses the community’s concerns.

Until the dispute is resolved, Ngwo remains without a settled traditional ruler.

For many residents, the next chief must do more than inherit the throne. They want a leader who will share their daily challenges and work for security and development.