MBENGWITEGHENIBI Village Creation Suffers Set Backs As More Traditional Authorities Join Protest
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The order, dated 13 December 2025 and signed by the Momo Senior Divisional Officer (SDO), Mr Fouda Etabe Benoit was reported to have only become known to Mbengwi inhabitants only a few days before the National Day.
For many people in Mbengwi and surrounding areas, the timing and process raised serious worries especially what they described as the absence of consultation with traditional authorities.
Residents protest with placards
Angry residents from Ku, Mbengwi and other Fondoms took to the streets holding placards with messages such as:
“No new villages without consultation. We stand behind HRH Fon Njokom.”
“No to any MBENGWITEGHENIBI village.”
“Teghenibi is a family, not a village. Fons in Meta are hereditary,” among other messages on the placards.
Anticipating that the SDO might not meet with them, Bar. Ndangoh Tah Calvine, an elite of Mbengwi speaking for the Fon of Mbengwi, HRH Fon Njokem III read a document titled: Memorandum against the illegal creation of a third class fondon within the existing 2nd class fondon of Mbengwi to the crowd at the Mbengwi Palace at the Mbengwi Palace.
"The people of Mbengwi village are writing to protest the illegal and divisive creation of a third-class fondom called MBENGWITEGHENIBI within our existing second-class fondom,"
a portion of the document stated.
"Please note that Mbengwi village is the administrative headquarters of both Mbengwi Central Subdivision and Momo Division. It hosts the divisional office, the sub-divisional office, and several other important government offices."
The document added amongst others that the land on which all the administrative offices are constructed was generously provided by the Fon of Mbengwi.
Bessi Fomukong Fon Spotted During Protest
One protester present in the crowd was the Fon of Bessi Fomukong, described by Mbengwi Infos Newsline as a one time ally of Dr Ndang Kenneth, alleged to be the brain behind the MBENGWITEGHENIBI Village Creation.
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| 📷 Mbengwi Infos Newsline:Bessi Fomukong Fon |
The Fon was among those who marched in the streets of Mbengwi against the creation of the village without consultation and his presence was seen as a setback to Dr Ndang's project.
Mayor Denies Knowledge Of The Process
As residents marched to the SDO’s office, they also met Mayor Ndangsa Kennedy Akam who also penned his signature on the Memorandum who thanked the people for the peaceful approach they adopted, before adding that he was not aware of the new village being created.
“I had no idea a new village was under creation. If I was consulted on the subject, I would have directed them to consult the Fons of Ku and Mbengwi to talk with them,”
Security blocks protesters at the SDO’s office
At the SDO’s compound, security forces blocked the protesters’ entry. The crowd was reportedly asked to produce authorisation for their march. The protesters argued that a peaceful demonstration should not be treated with the same rigidity as other formal requests.
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| Protesters Blocked At The DO's Office |
With no visible response from the SDO and the situation not resolved, residents continued their protest elsewhere.
Ritual performed near the Abi River
At the checkpoint area close to the Abi River, residents performed traditional rites aimed at sending warning signals to those they accused of trying to divide the Meta people.
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| Checkpoint Mbengwi, Where Ritual Was Performed |
| Prof. Njoh Oliver, President General of the Meta Cultural and Development Association (MECUDA), explained that the tradition is used when the community feels agitated, adding that Mbengwi and Ku are one. |
Accusations Against Dr Ndang Kenneth
Residents also accused Dr Ndang Kenneth of using influence and resources to pressure for the creation of MBENGWITEGHENIBI, and of allegedly plotting to position himself for a traditional leadership role. They further claimed that some traditional authorities were allegedly persuaded with money, vehicles, and other support, including what they said was a Prado vehicle allegedly offered to the SDO.
So far, there has been no public response from the SDO or other traditional authorities addressing these claims.
Acha Tugi Elders Join Mbengwi Protests Against New Villages
Mbengwi Infos Newsline reports that some elders from Acha Tugi village visited Mbengwi to support locals protesting the creation of new villages in the Meta Clan.
The delegation declared their total support for Ku and Mbengwi villages, opposing any moves to split existing fondoms.
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| Acha Tugi Elders In Mbengwi Village To Show Their Support |
An Acha Tugi spokesperson called for unity and urged government officials to consult traditional leaders before changing land and chieftaincy boundaries
Everyone is watching the Momo Administration to see what they will do next. The public accuses them of ruining the hard-earned peace they fought so hard to achieve.
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