PARAMOUNT CHIEFS

Lineage of the Bafaw

The resplendent and storied lineage of the Bafaw people was further embellished and fortified by their harmonious unity, which blossomed into the creation of a paramount chief, a revered and sovereign figure who stood as the pinnacle of their cultural and social hierarchy.

Abel Nkembone Mukete, the first such paramount chief, was born in 1862 within the esteemed Kombone Bafaw village. He ascended to the throne as the chief of Kumba village and the paramount chief of all Bafaw, his reign marked by wisdom and unwavering leadership. Not only did he rule over the Bafaw, but he also held the esteemed title of First-Class Chief within the expansive Cameroon Province of the British Southern Cameroons. Furthermore, his influence extended beyond the Bafaw lands as he served as the president of the Eastern Court of Appeal of the Kumba Division. In this capacity, he held the power of final judgment over courts from various other tribes, including the Bakossi and Bakundu, solidifying his position as a figure of considerable regional authority. His reign, a beacon of prosperity and justice, concluded in 1967.

The mantle of leadership was intended to pass to Prince John Akpo Mukete, a prince of great promise. However, fate intervened, and Prince John departed this realm before his coronation. In honor of his noble spirit, his brother, Nfon V. E. Mukete, bestowed upon him the title of paramount chief, a posthumous recognition of his potential greatness. For a remarkable span of 52 years, from 1968 to 2020, Nfon Victor Eseminsongo Mukete III graced the throne as the third paramount chief He also served as a Senator of Cameroon. His reign was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his people and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of his kingdom. His legacy extends beyond the realm of rulership, as he is celebrated as the author of the seminal work, "My Odyssey – The story of Cameroon Reunification with authentic letters of key players." Prior to the reunification of Cameroon, Southern Cameroons was a part of Nigeria, and during this period, Nfon Mukete served as the Minister of Information, further demonstrating his commitment to public service and his influence beyond the Bafaw region. His contributions to the reunification of Cameroon stand as a testament to his farsighted vision and his unwavering commitment to unity.

Today, the esteemed throne of the Bafaw is occupied by HRM Senator Nfon Ekoko Mukete IV, the fourth paramount chief. He carries the weight of his ancestors' legacy, his reign guided by the wisdom and unwavering commitment to his people. As the keeper of the sacred Eló Dí Nfon and Ekpa Dí Nfon, the most sacred staff and bag of authority, he embodies the very essence of Bafaw leadership. Beyond his royal duties, Nfon Ekoko Mukete IV is a distinguished figure in the Cameroonian business landscape. He possesses extensive experience across various sectors, having served as the 1st Vice President of the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining, & Crafts, and as a Board Member of the Cameroon Investment and Promotion Agency.

This multifaceted experience brings a unique perspective to his leadership, enabling him to navigate the complexities of modern governance while upholding the rich traditions of the Bafaw people. By his side stands the esteemed Nadya Mukete, the Queen Mother, her presence a symbol of strength and unwavering support. Beyond the rule of the illustrious Bafaw tribe, the Mukete family emerges as a resplendent force in the tapestry of Cameroon’s history. Renowned and affluent, they have woven themselves into the very fabric of the nation’s development, leaving an indelible mark on its journey.

Nfon

Abel Nkembone Mukete

Prince

Prince John Akpo Mukete

Nfon

Victor Eseminsongo Mukete

Nfon