Buea: Faro SDO designated Great Soppo Chief.

He was selected during chieftaincy consultative talks, held in Buea yesterday. Dr Absalom Monono contested the royal stool with Barrister Ngale Monono.

The Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Fako, Engelbert Viang Mekala, supervised the exercise that was witnessed by a mammoth crowd of Great Soppo natives and residents of the village. 

After deliberations, the kingmakers, guided by tradition and their ancestors, picked Dr Absalom Monono. He secured all the seven votes from the seven kingmakers, while his opponent, Barrister Ngale Monono, got no vote.

The consultative talks came after three months of mourning and consultation, following the passing into glory of Chief Etina Monono, on May 8, 2026. 

In his address during the consultative talks, the Fako SDO, explained that the role of the administration is not to choose the chief, but to acknowledge the true leader, who shall be presented by the kingmakers.

Viang Mekala reminded the large gathering that the community’s strength lies in its cohesion. He stressed that they must remain united and live in peace for the growth of their community.

The administrator encouraged the Chief-designate to ensure the community lives in unity and in peace. He urged the population to give him all the necessary support and collaboration needed for him to succeed in his function as traditional ruler.

The SDO congratulated the population and notables for conducting the exercise peacefully. He said the proceedings followed the legal framework guiding the process. 

“The official process is over. He can start his functions now while the official designation process is forwarded to the Minister of Territorial Administration, MINAT, for homologation,” the SDO said. 

The SDO said the role of the Chief is to serve as an auxiliary of the administration, help execute the directives of administrative authorities and ensure that such directives are implemented for the maintenance of law and order, fostering peace and order within the village.

Viang Mekala was categorical that for the Chief-designate to succeed in this mission, he must work closely with local administrative authorities.

The SDO promised the full support and collaboration of the administration in assisting the Chief-designate in the execution of his duties.

Viang Mekala advised persons with worries or reservations about the consultative talks to follow the right procedures to channel their worries.

Chief-designate thanks ancestors for choosing him

Speaking after his designation, the Chief-designate thanked God, and his ancestors for passing through the kingmakers to choose him to serve the people. He described his selection as unexpected. 

“It is a surprise to me because, amongst the Chiefs who have living children, I am the youngest son. And so, for me to have been selected, it means God and the ancestors paved the way for me,” Dr Absalom Monono. 

He said the major concern of his reign will be to unite the people of Great Soppo, foster peace and bring development closer to the community.

"...I call on all of them [indigenes] to join hands with me so that together, we can make Great Soppo great," he appealed. 

The Chairman of the Great Soppo Traditional Council, Lyombe Becke, expressed hope that at the end of the consultative talks, peace, unity and respect will continue in the Chiefdom. He encouraged his people to work as one to make their community prosperous.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3869 of Wednesday August 05, 2026