This is culture

H.R.H Shomitang II: Fon Bambalang

A second year student of the Department of Economics, University of Buea, has been crowned Fon of the Mbaw Yakum Fondom, Bambalang, Ndop sub -division, Ngoketunjia Division of the North West Region.
Kelvin Yakum, now Fon Shomitang II was presented to the public in a ceremony at the Bamabalang Fon's palace on Friday 18 September 2009.

The 23-year-old who succeeds his father, Fon Fosi Yakum Ntaw was enthroned in a heavily attended ceremony which was also witnessed by the SDO for Ngoketunjia Division, John Diny Ngoe.
In a brief statement to the press, the new Fon, who was not authorised to make any public declarations immediately called for peace and collaboration for the harmonious development of the Mbaw Yakum people.

A spokesperson of the Bambalang Fon's palace who officially presented the Fon to the public on behalf of the traditional secret society pointed out that anybody who would not support the new Fon to achieve his divine mission or who will try to destroy his activities will undeniably face the wrath of the gods of the land.

According to the spokesperson, Ndimumba Manasses, who is also a sub chief in the Fondom, Fon Shomitang II is the 22nd Fon of the Mbaw Yakum people. He qualified to be presented to the public after going through an initiation process that lasted five days.

On why the Fon would bear the name Shomitang II, sources at the Bambalang Fon's palace disclosed that the name was chosen after careful concertation by the kingmakers of the village, who, amongst other things, looked at the signs of the times and the activities of the Fons who have existed before.

Thus, after the presentation to the public, the new Fon will, together with the local population, carry out a series of traditional rites to ensure a smooth transition.

Talking to the press after the ceremony, Fon Chaffah XI of Bangolan said he was particularly elated and proud of the choice of the new Fon of the Mbaw Yakum people. This, he explained, is because the new Fon is the product of marriage between his elder sister and Fon Fosi Yakum Ntaw who passed away about one month ago.

The former president of the North West Fons Union pledged his total support to see the new Fon succeed albeit concerns that he had been at variance with late Fon Fosi Yakum Ntaw.

Marcelline Mache, a teacher at GHS Bambalang told the press that the new Fon who was a student in the school and graduated three years ago is particularly noted for his intelligence, humility and firmness in taking stands over issues. According to her, should the new Fon continue in the same way he was while a student in GHS Bamabalnag then he would certainly do good for the Mbaw Yakum people.

Kelvin Yakum, now Fon Shomitang II was born on 26 September 1986 and succeeds his father Fon Fosi Yakum Ntaw who reigned for 41 years, beginning in 1966.
The ceremony was also attended by a cross section of North West Fons amongst them the Fons of Bali Nyongha, Bangolan, Bamunka, Baba I, Babessi, Bafmeng, Babungo, kingmakers from several Fondoms, administrative authorities, internal and external elite and a cross section of the population