SW chiefs fight over 3M FCFA cash gift by National Assembly Speaker!.

Following the audience in Yaounde, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Rt Hon Theodore Datouo, had offered the said sum of money to cover their personal expenses. 

However, what initially was seen as a generous offer is now being considered a ‘poisoned’ gift. 

The money has since been tearing the royal fathers of the South West Region apart, rubbing their image in mud.

The scandalous ‘disappearance’ of the money from the National Assembly boss, came to the fore on Monday, after a complaint, tabled before the Gendarmerie Legion Commander for the South West Region, surfaced on social media. 

The complaint, which has been animating public debate, was tabled by the President of the Buea Subdivisional Chiefs' Conference. The complaint is against one Chief Etuge Augustin Esong, who is said to have collected the money on behalf of his peers.

The Buea Chiefs' Conference boss, Chief Ikome Philip Molua, who tabled the complaint, is accusing Chief Etuge of misappropriation.

In his complaint to the Legion Commander, Chief Ikome wrote: “We were a delegation of Chiefs from the South West Region who went to visit the Speaker of the National Assembly to congratulate him for his new office”.

The Buea Chief recounted that: “During the visit, he (the Speaker) generously gave us three million for our transport. We all agreed to go back to the hotel to share the money. To our greatest surprise, the above- mentioned Chief did not show-up in the hotel. When contacted on phone, he said we can’t do him anything, that he has taken all the money”.

“…this situation left us stranded in Yaounde; no money to pay our hotel rooms, and no transport to come back to Buea. God alone knows how we managed to return to Buea,” Chief Ikome narrated to the Legion Commander.

He then pleaded that: “…please use your good office to see that the above-mentioned Chief brings the three million to your office…”.

Chief Etuge plays Pontius Pilate

Meanwhile, contacted by The Guardian Post via telephone yesterday to comment on the allegations, Chief Etuge Augustine rambled throughout the exchange without accepting or dismissing the claims of his peers.

The traditional ruler dodged all questions from this reporter before promising to seek legal redress to restore his injured image.

“…I don’t know anything about the 3 million FCFA they are talking about. To cut a long story short, since it’s an issue they have already taken out of the House of Chiefs or the South West Chiefs' Conference to the level of the Gendarmerie Legion in Buea, I am waiting to receive a summons from that office,” he told this reporter.

The Chief continued: “I want to say that my meekness is tactful because I know what this libel amounts to”.

Quizzed on if he indeed collected the 3 million FCFA on behalf of his peers, Chief Etuge was equivocal. He babbled without admitting if he did so or not.

“…I don’t want to make any comments for now. Let me first of all receive the summons from the Legion. They (my colleagues) owe me an explanation. The responsibility to proof the allegation is on he who is accusing me,” he stated.

Chief Etuge was categorical that: “The issue at stake now is my personality and the injury inflicted on my image. They will have to explain the root of their allegations”.

Chief Etuge later declared: “I am ready for a fight,” before declining to comment further on the issue.

Genesis of the scandal

It should be recalled that on April 29, 2026, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Rt Hon Theodore Datouo, had received in audience a delegation of Chiefs from the South West Region.

The delegation was made up of members of the South West House of Chiefs. It was led by His Majesty, Etuge Augustine Esong, Secretary of the Finance Committee of the South West House of Chiefs' Conference.

During the meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly, the royal fathers had reaffirmed their support for the peace initiatives of President Paul Biya in the Region and beyond.

The traditional leaders had in the course of the meeting, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the National Assembly Speaker on his election as head of the legislative body, before pledging to work for the consolidation of peace and national unity. 

They had underscored that Hon Datouo’s dedication, professionalism, and respect for the ideals of the CPDM Party have earned him the trust of the Head of State. 

The custodians of tradition noted that the Speaker’s extensive political experience and varied career would contribute to resolving national issues through Parliament. 

In a formal letter presented during the audience, the South West Chiefs had committed themselves to promoting the development of the country and supporting its emergence on all fronts.

Humbled by the gesture, the Right Hon Datouo Theodore had expressed his appreciation and gave glory to God for the distinction. 

He reiterated that all power comes from God, before acknowledging the Head of State’s role in his election and investiture.

The Speaker admitted the House of Chiefs’ dedication to peace and unity, virtues which he said Biya holds dear to his heart.

The veteran lawmaker stressed that the joint mission of custodians of tradition and elected representatives is the consolidation of peace, throughout the national territory. 

He also highlighted the impact of the decade-long socio-political crisis on the economic development and welfare of the South West Region, before promising to convey their commitment to peace to President Paul Biya, alongside their resolve to contribute to national growth.

As a symbolic gesture, following blessings from the ancestors of the South West Region, the traditional rulers presented the Speaker with a royal stool and a royal staff, which are considered supreme symbols of authority and leadership.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3781 of Wednesday May 06, 2026