Adamawa: Chief-designate, Betchang Mbombo, to be enthroned September 27.

This will be in the presence of traditional and administrative authorities, community leaders, elite and other guests.

Betchang Mbombo was designated as the new traditional ruler of Canton, Songkolong on September 1, 2026; after consultations by traditional authorities and senior dignitaries of the royal court. 

The exercise followed the death of the former ruler, His Majesty Baourou Gouah, on June 25, 2026. He had led Canton since 2018. His death immediately opened a period of transition, during which the traditional institution had to ensure continuity, while preparing for the selection of a successor.

The Songkolong Canton Development Committee, known by its Frech acronym, CODESO, said the succession process began with the appointment of a regent, known as “Mgbe Gnou,” who oversaw the affairs of the Chiefdom during the transition.

Customary tradition requires that the selection of a successor takes place only after a period of at least 40 days following the burial of the deceased Chief. The period is intended both to honour the late ruler and, according to traditional beliefs, to allow him peacefully undertake his journey to the world of the ancestors.

Once the mourning period is over, a customary commission, made up of notables, advisers and other figures involved in the governance of Canton conducts consultations on the succession. Descendants of recognised royal lineages may be considered for the position.

The regent and customary commission work with the competent administrative authorities, who carry out the consultations and verification procedures prescribed for traditional Chiefdoms. 

The new Chief is subsequently presented publicly during an enthronement ceremony, attended by the competent administrative authorities.

Songkolong occupies a strategically located area close to Taraba State in Nigeria. Its proximity to Nigeria and its connections with Adamawa and the North West Region have made Songkolong a crossroads for the movement of people, goods and economic activities.

Betchang Mbombo, the man 

The new ruler is the 18th Chief in the history of Canton. His name, "Betchang," means “Hand of God”. His supporters see the symbolism as particularly meaningful at a time Songkolong faces a range of social, security and development challenges.

His enthronement on September 27, 2026, will mark the beginning of a new chapter for a community whose traditional institution has played a central role in its social, cultural and economic life.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3919 of Thursday September 24, 2026