But Kokobuma's strength wasn't merely physical. It held a secret, a powerful undercurrent that pulsed through its very soul: the "Esembe." This secret society, whispered in the ancient tongue of Lifo, was the village's beating heart, the keeper of its deepest traditions, the wellspring of its power. Old Kokobuma became more than a village; it was the bastion of Bafaw culture, its traditions etched in stone, its influence rippling outwards, shaping the destiny of the Bafaw people.
Later, Abiaseme's son, Esembe, driven by the same spirit of his father, established new Kokobuma, the village's current home, ensuring the continuation of their people's legacy. The air in both old and new Kokobuma hummed with the rhythm of ancient rituals, the vibrant colors of traditional dances, and the wisdom of elders passed down through generations. This was a world untouched, unyielding, a testament to the strength of a people rooted in their heritage.
Then came the arrival of the Basel missionaries, their words of a different faith echoing through the once-unchanged landscape. Christianity, like a gentle stream, began to carve new paths through the bedrock of Kokobuma's traditions. While some embraced the new faith, others held fast to the ancient ways, creating a tapestry of change and continuity. The village, once the undisputed center of Bafaw life, found its influence subtly altered, its traditions challenged, yet its spirit unbroken.
Today, Nfon Eseme Ellis, the current chief, stands as a living link to Kokobuma's storied past. He embodies the legacy of the brave men who first settled this land, the keepers of the Esembe, and the enduring spirit of the Bafaw people. Kokobuma, both the foundation laid by Abiaseme and the continuation by Esembe, though changed, still whispers its ancient tales, a reminder of a time when courage and tradition were the cornerstones of a people's identity, a testament to the enduring power of their heritage.
Rooted in our heritage
BAFAW VILLAGES
Kokobuma
This is the story of Kokobuma, a village born from the ashes of a wandering people, a beacon of strength and tradition amidst the untamed wilds. Following their exodus from Masui, the Bafaw established their first permanent settlement: old Kokobuma, founded by the visionary Abiaseme. It wasn't just a place to settle; it was a fortress built on courage. Its men, forged in the fires of resilience, possessed a bravery that resonated through the surrounding hills, a bravery that sent shivers down the spines of the Bakossi, Bassossi, and Bakundu tribes. They were warriors, guardians of their heritage, their very presence a shield against the unknown.
