Ejagham Tradition Custodians

Traditionally, the socio-economic manifestation of Ejagham people typically exist in the form of villages. Each village (Mfam or Etek) is autonomous and they relate with each other on that basis. The administration of the villages is in conformance with Ejagham culture, customs and tradition, all of which constitute Ejagham heritage.

Ejagham heritage is proudly owned by all Ejagham people. It is made manifest through the institutions that form its  foundation.  The culture, customs and tradition of Ejagham people is protected and safeguarded by the leadership of these institutions. These leaders  are Ejagham tradition custodians.

Natural Rulers

A typical Ejagham village is administered by a group of Ejagham tradition custodians  which include but may not be limited to the following.

  1. Ntufam
  2. Iyamba
  3. Ntui Emang
  4. Ntui Okwa
  5. Ntunkae Ekpa
  6. Ntui Ekan

The above represents the core traditional leadership structure of the custodians of Ejagham heritage  across Ejagham nation. It would not be unusual to detect slight variations in the designations of the core leadership structure from one cluster to another.  However, the substance remains the same. This core structure constitute what  is referred to as the Natural Rulers. They are referred to as such because normally the lineage of each individual in these positions could be traced to land in which the rule. The context of Natural Rulers is important especially as it provides clarity to subsequent acknowledgment of the influence of 21st century phenomena to Ejagham core traditional leadership structure.

It is important to mention that at all times, there is only one person in the village occupying positions 1 to 5 mentioned above. Position 6 usually have multiple holders depending on the number of age grades that have come of age in that community (Mbing Ekan). In all cases, the positions are usually maintained for the life of the individual. There may be unique situations where Ntufam may double as Ntui Emang or Ntui Okwa.

Like most other aspects of life endeavour,  modernization, urbanization, migration, technology, geo-political delineation etc. have influenced the structure of Ejagham tradition custodians. In spite of these influences, the core structure is still prevalent to a large extent in Ejagham communities.

Ntufam

Ntufam is a combination of two Ejagham words Ntui (Chief) and Mfam (Village/Town). Ntufam is the ruler of the village and he  is assisted by other Atui (Chiefs) of the village or town.

Since Mgbe is the highest institution of collective local authority in Ejagham, most Atuiofam (plural of Ntufam) also attain high ranking status in Mgbe institution.

To date, each Ejagham village is ruled by Ntufam.

Iyamba

Iyamba is the head of the Mgbe institution in Ejagham. Mgbe is the supreme governance system in Ejagham. Hence, while Ntufam is the ruler of the village, Iyamba is essentially the Prim Minister of the village. Iyamba is the  “owner” of Ocham, the Mgbe Lodge[.

Ntui Emang

Ntui Emang is the High Priest of the village. He is regarded as half spirit and half man in the traditional sense, an intermediary between the gods and men who wields absolute authority.

The ancient process of his enthronement involved very rigorous rituals and sacrifices. Because of his enormous authority, he was well tamed (prior to enthronement) to control his powers and temperament. Thus,  for a period of time in a year he squats  somewhere all-day everyday. You can spit on him and insult him as you like and he would never react (this is practiced in Akparabong). But on completion of this period you hardly look into his face directly again. You had to bend downwards or crouch to greet him because he then had the power of death and life in his hands. At his death his burial, just like his enthronement, was graced by special rituals.

Ntui Okwa

Okwa is simply a Court. Ntui-Okwa is akin to a Chief Judge in today’s setting. Thus,  he judges cases involving everybody in the village including women, children and strangers. This position was unlike Emang whose affairs and dealings never directly involved women.

Ntunkae Ekpa

Ntunkae Ekpa is Chief of Ekpa institution. Ekpa institution is the most dominant Ejagham women socio-cultural institution which also  doubles as a judiciary system for the enforcement of norms and punitive mechanism for women.

Ntui Ekan

Ekan mean age grade and Ntui Ekan is Chief of a particular age grade. Ekan is an age old Ejagham traditional institution. An Ejagham age grade is typically made up of three ages. For instance, people born in year 2000, 2001 and 2003 would make up one age grade.

In most Ejagham communities, age grades that have come of age are recognized by naming them in a tradition naming ceremony called Mbing Ekan. This day is usually a significant day for the age grade and the community.

The age grade, amongst of things,  supports the community for the execution of directives of both the Ntufam and Atui, the elders Council.

Influence of 21st  Century Phenomena. 

The phenomena of the 21st  century that has impacted the globe  include, but are not limited to, Modernization, Urbanization, Migration, Technology and Geo-political delineation. Ejagham heritage was not spared.

The influence of 21st century phenomena has resulted in changes to Ejagham heritage (as with other heritage) that are intended to match contemporary times. These changes could be said to enhance Ejagham traditional leadership. Fortunately, it has not fundamentally changed the core structure.

Influence of 21st  Century Phenomena –  Ejagham Nigeria

In Nigeria, the obvious changes to our traditional leadership structure are the introduction of Paramount Ruler and the Clan Head. Both are political creations. There is also a third dimension which is the creation of honorary chieftaincy title

Paramount Ruler

Nigeria operates a three tier system of government, Federal, State and Local government Area. The modality in which traditional Rulers are engaged in political governance is by appointing a Paramount Ruler for each Local Government Area. Hence we now have Paramount Rulers.

Some Local Government Areas are not mono ethnic hence in some cases the Paramount Ruler may not be of Ejagham heritage.

Clan Head

Each local government consist of clans and  clans, villages. Hence we now have Clan Heads. We have always had Village Head, the Ntufam.

The unique situation of the Paramount Ruler and Clan Head being political appointments also means that they could be removed at any time. On the contrary, a member of the core Ejagham Tradition Custodians serves for life. It is reasonable to opine at this point that as long as the Paramount Ruler and the Clan Head retain their appointments, they remain part of Ejagham tradition custodians, alongside the Natural Rulers.

It is noteworthy to mention that, all things being equal, the Paramount Ruler and Clan Head are usually products of the Natural Rulers which further supports the argument for them being part of Ejagham tradition custodians.

Influence of 21st  Century Phenomena –  Ejagham Cameroon

In Ejagham Cameroon, similar changes apply. The nomenclature of the chieftaincy titles varies slightly but essentially structurally similar. In Ejagham Cameroon, it is understood that the core structure still applies with Ntufam at the helm of affairs. However, in the South West of Cameroon, there is a south West Chiefs’ Association and Chiefs are officially classified into three groups – First Class, Second Class and Third Class Chiefs. First class Chiefs must rule villages or groups of villages with a population of ten thousand people upwards. Villages with populations between four thousand people but less than ten thousand have second class chiefs. The rest are third class chiefs.

Influence of 21st  Century Phenomena – Honorary Chieftaincy Title.

The conferment of honorary chieftaincy title to an individuals is foreign to Ejagham and a direct influence of the 21st century phenomena. It appears it has come to stay hence the need to clarify the reason, context and implications and or consequences.

The context of conferment of chieftaincy title is very important. The whole context of chieftaincy title is traditional. If someone does not like tradition, the person should  reject the conferment of such title as soon as it is mentioned.

In Ejagham, Chieftaincy is Otui, a derivative of Ntui. Ntui is Chief and there could be many chiefs in a village. The attainment of status of Ntui may vary but are crystal clear. However, only one Ntui becomes the leader of all the Atui. This leader in Ejagham is the Village Head named Ntufam.

It happens that not only has Ejagham adopted conferment of chieftaincy title, the prefix that has been chosen for the title is Ntufam, although they rule over nobody. This is what applies in Ejagham Nigeria, Ejagham Cameroon equivalence is yet to be established.

As stated earlier, the whole chieftaincy conferment is tradition based and always executed by the Natural Rulers. The conferment exercise is significant for many reasons.

One of the reasons of its significance is  that – it is an extension of Scepter of Authority (in the area of conferment) preserved for the Natural Ruler, to the recipient.  The recipient is obliged to perform the responsibilities associated with the area of conferment on behalf of the Natural Rulers. This is very significant. It is hoped that it is now obvious why implications and consequence were mentioned earlier. If the recipient fails at his or her obligations, the Natural Rulers wasted their resources in conferring the honorary title to the recipient.

The point of this is that, the 21st century phenomena has created a formally non existent arm of Ejagham tradition custodians, the honorary Chiefs. In EjT we refer to them collectively as Atem-Atui.

His Royal Majesty (HRM), Echi-Atui Ntufam Clement A. Emayip, Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa LGA.

Background

HRM Echi-Atui Ntufam Clement Emayip was born on November 22 1940, son of Ntufam Emayip Ntui in Mfamosing village, Ojuk South clan in Akampka LGA. His father Ntufam Emayip Ntui was married to his mother Madam Nkoyo Itakui. Nna Nkoyo was also from Mfamosing.

HRM had his early education in Oban Town from 1952-1960. His qualities of hard work and humility as a young person earned him nomination for the scholarship awarded by the Oban community. Through this scholarship program, he attended the Teachers’ Training College (TTC) Uyo, from 1974-1978.

His Royal Majesty (HRM) – left During his days at TTC Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ntufam Clement Emayip was married to Ntunkae Arit Ntui,a fine maiden from Ojok and had four children with her.  As it is customary with royalty, Ntufam took other wives and sired more children . He has 10 children and 30 grandchildren.

HRM and wife

Work History

Upon his return to home, he took up employment with different companies at different times.

HRM during a social function

He worked with Oban Palm/Rubber Estate and Calabar Cement Company (Calcemco). He then took up Employment with the Cross River State Ministry of Education as a teacher. He served in different places and made considerable impact while there in those places. He rose to the rank of Head master and later retired in 1998.

HRM was a classroom teacher in Mbeban, Nkame, Mfaminyen and Ojok. As Head Teacher, he served at Akor, Aking and finally in his hometown Mfamosing, where he also retired in 1998.

Ascension of the Throne

Ntufam Clement Emayip was initiated into revered Mgbe Institution in 1957. He was later inducted into the Mfamosing village council forum in 1960 and in 18 October,1989 HRM was Crowned the Village Head of Mfamosing.

HRM Echi-Atui with HRH, Ntufam Elder Stephen Mbey, the Village head & Clan head of Oban and other dignitaries.

There are four founding families in Mfamosing and Ntufam Clement Emayip comes from two of them. Ntufam Emayip became a Clan head in 2001.

HRM, Ntufam Emayip with his colleague, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu L.G.A, HRM, J.D. Agba

After careful deliberations by the Chiefs of Akamkpa Local Government, HRM, Echi-Atui Ntufam Clement Emayip was elected the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa Local Government Area in 2005.

Leadership Philosophy

The leadership philosophy  that has guided the reign of HRM, Echi-Atui Ntufam Clement Emayip has been underpinned by his believe in the fact that –  “Truth should be pursued, because no justice can be achieved without the truth.”

HRM Ntufam Emayip with the Larfarge Leadership Team

This modus operandi permeated the communities and was immensely appreciated way beyond Akamkpa Local Government.  This appreciation manifested in the conferment of various esteemed leadership awards on HRM.

The Nigeria Transformation Initiative Leadership Award

On the first day of July 2016 the leadership of The Nigeria Transformation Initiative (NTI), presented an award of Leadership to HRM, Etchi-Atui Ntufam Clement Emayip, the Custodian of Ejagham Tradition, for his astute and sterling leadership qualities.

Nigerian Association of Akamkpa Students Award of Honours

Being an educationists, he help and continues to shaped so many young people. The paramount ruler has helped so many Ejagham students to secure funding for their education through scholarships and grants. This indeed informed the decision of the Leadership of  National Association of Akamkpa Students to present him with an award of honour.

Ejagham East Youth Summit Group Award of Excellence

Being one with an avid respect and love for the Ejagham Culture, followed by an intense campaign for the sustenance and adherence to the Ejagham Tradition, Echi-Atui was recognised for his outstanding achievement within the traditional ranks by presentation of award of excellence by Ejagham East Youth Summit Group  Akamkpa 2 constituency, on the 6th of December, 2018.

African Leadership News Magazine Legacy of True Leadership Award

Acknowledging his effort at nation building, The Legacy of True Leadership Award, was presented to HRM ,by Africa Leadership News Magazine on September 29th, 2012.

Child’s Dream Award of Excellence

Having lost a parent at a fledgling age, Echi-Atui has made it his life’s work to put smile on the faces of the less privileged. He has done this so well to have seized the attention of Many organisations. This therefore explains when in 2017, Child’s Dream, a non profit, non governmental organization, presented HRM Ntufam Emayip with an award  in a bit to extol his exemplary performance in forging humanitarian goals and ideals.

Beema Communications Ltd. Role Model Leadership Gold Award

Following his show of exemplary acumen for leadership, Beema Communication, on 17th  September, 2012 awarded The Echi-Atui with the 2012 African International Role Model Leadership Gold Award.

NDIDEM OF THE QUAS & PARAMOUNT RULER OF CALABAR MUNICIPALITY 2014 – 2020

His Royal Majesty (HRM) Ndidem Dr. Patrick Inok Oquagbor V

Background

His Royal Majesty (HRM), Dr. Patrick Inok Oquagbor V, was a descendant of Nkonib of the Ejagham stock in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, Nigeria. Born into the family of Esi-Njo Benedict Inok Ansa Oquagbor, he was the only male and fourth child of his mother’s seven children.

HRM Ndidem (Dr.) Patrick Inok Oquagbor V

Ndidem Patrick was Married to Mrs. Patience-Lilian Oquagbor and their union was blessed with six children and five grandchildren.

Complete family of the HRM with children and grandchildren

Young Patrick completed his primary education at St. Mary’s Primary School, Efut Abua, and attended the Government Teachers’ Training College (TTC) Ikot Ansa, where he studied and obtained the Teachers Grade 2 Certificate. While at TTC, he showed exceptional skill as a footballer, which earned him the sobriquet “bomber”. The Teachers’ Grade 2 Certificate licensed him to pursue a short teaching career.

Ndidem (middle), during his days at TTC Ikot Ansa, Calabar

Patrick attended the Polytechnic Calabar, where he obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting in 1991. He attended the Nigeria College of Accountancy, Jos, Plateau State in 1996, where he completed a course leading to his qualification as a Chartered Accountant.

HRM Ndidem (Dr.) Patrick Inok Oquagbor V

In 1999, he bagged a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja in 2003 to obtain his Barrister-at-Law(BL) degree and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2004.

The Ndidem also held a Master of Science (MSc.) degree in Industrial Sociology and Personnel Management from the IMO State University, Owerri.

HRM Ndidem (Dr.) Patrick Inok Oquagbor V and Wife Mrs. Patience-Lilian Oquagbor

In 2010, he enrolled for a Doctorate Degree programme in Criminal Justice and Criminology, a Social Science course under the Department of Sociology and was awarded a Ph.D. In 2004, the Ndidem was conferred with a Ph.D. degree in Business Administration (Honoris Causal) by The Pacific Western University in Denver State of Colorado, United States of America(USA), in collaboration with the Joint University Standard Evaluation and Assessors (WAAEA).

The Ndidem was awarded the fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Consult (CIMC) Vancouver, Canada, in good governance and leadership.

The United Nations -POLAC, awarded him a Grand Justice of Peace. The Ndidem was also a Fellow, Certified National Accountant of Nigeria, Fellow, Companies and Commercial Accountant, Fellow of Certified Institute of Public Administration, Ghana and Fellow of the Professional Institute of Management Consultants.

Work History & Entrepreneurship

In addition to his full-time job as a Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality and Ndidem of the Quas, Ndidem Patrick was a lecturer in the sociology department of the University of Calabar (UNICAL); a visiting lecturer with the Cross River State University of Technology where he lectured in the Management Department. He was also a facilitator with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

HRM Ndidem (Dr.) Patrick Inok Oquagbor V receiving Certificate of Recognition

As an entrepreneur, HRM was the head of the Oqua Patrick Edet & Co. – an accounting and auditing firm; Oqua Idem & Associates – a legal outfit; and K’Oqua Estate Managers – an estate management firm.

Ascension of the Throne

The journey to this illustrious position of the Ndidem had a humble beginning. HRM was the premiere clan Council Secretary of Efut Atuambom clan under Muri Effiom Edem, and in 1998, stepped on the first rung on the ladder to the position of Ndidem of the Quas when the Efut-Atuambom clan of Calabar South Local Government Area, conferred the chieftaincy title of Ndabu on young Patrick.  This title conferred on Patrick the powers to rule over Asuquo Edem Villages, which is one of the villages of the Efut-Atuambom clan.

HRM Ndidem (Dr.) Patrick Inok Oquagbor V performing libation at EjT Talk Show as his wife Mrs. Patience-Lilian Oquagbor looks on.

In 2001, the Mbang Offiong Eyamba House of Eyamba clan in Calabar South Local Government Area, from where the Ndidem’s mother, Clara Affiong Offiong Ekpeyong Eyamba, conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Ada-Idagha ke Ufok Mbang Offiong Eyamba. This title is usually conferred on someone who has shown some exemplary characteristics, outstanding charisma, selflessness, philanthropy, sound leadership and intelligence in the community.

Ndidem was installed as the Esi-Mfam (or Echi-Mfam) of the Oyo family in Okoroba village in 2003 and later installed as the Esi Njo (or Echi Njo) of Okoroba village in Nkonib clan. In 2007, he became the Ntoe of Nkonib clan, thus making him the youngest Ntoe ever installed in Nkonib clan.

Royal procession from the Church

The Throne

Although historical submissions show that the Quas have been where they are today since 900AD, the throne of the Ndidem of the Qua dates back to the 15th century when treaty-hunting Europeans were combing the African continent for native kingdoms or states with which to reach new trade accord.

HRM, the Ndidem and the Queen with Royal Guards

The Qua clans, seeing the need for unity as a means of strength in the negotiations and agreements, came together and elected one Ntoe as the head of Atoe whom they called Echi-Ntoe or Ntoe-Atue and was given the authority to negotiate or sign agreements on behalf of the entire Qua communities whom their individual Atoe represented.

Crowning of the Ndidem by Rev. Fr Malachi Ephraim

The status and position of Echi-Ntoe or Ntoe-Atue as the head of the Qua community existed until 1928, when the Quas decided to give a unique name to their head. The title of Ndidem of the Quas was, adopted as the official title for the head of the Quas community in Calabar. In 1971, the title of the Ndidem of the Quas documented into the Qua clan constituted Assembly’s constitution, and it was endorsed in 1973 by the military government Brigadier U. J. Esuene.

HRM Ndidem (Dr.) Patrick Inok Oquagbor V at EjT Talk Show 2019

Ntoe Patrick was crowned the Ndidem of the Quas on 19th December 2014, succeeding his predecessor, the late Ndidem Thomas Ika Ika Oqua.

HRM the Ndidem in his traditional costumes during his installation

His appointment as the Ndidem of the Quas was confirmed by the former Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Liyel Imoke.

This was followed with the presentation of Staff of Office and investiture as the Ndidem of the Quas and Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Barr. Efiok Cobham, on the 21st of May, 2015.

Ndidem receiving his staff of office from His Excellency Barr. Efiok Cobham, Deputy Governor of Cross River State.

The Investiture/staff of office was formally blessed in a Thanksgiving mass held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, on the 28th of November 2015.

President, Eyumojock Traditional Rulers Association  

His Royal Highness (HRH) Ntufam Iyamba Hon. Ojang Eno Cyprian

The New president of the Eyumojock Traditional Rulers Association, Ntufam Iyamba Ojang Eno Cyprain is the chief of the frontier village of Ekok in the Eyumojock Sub Division of the Manyu Division of the South West Region of the Republic of Cameroon. He was chosen to lead this royal organization recently at Ekok by his peers in a meeting bringing together all chiefs of the sixty-six villages that make the Eyumojock Sub Division. He took over from HRH Ntufam Hon. Obenofunde Moses who now heads the South West Chiefs Conference.

HRH Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian is a descendant of the grand family of Ojang Okepne and Besong Atem of Ekok and of Celina Awu Bessem of the Bessem Abane/Agbortogho family of Kembong in Eyumojock Subdivision. 

Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian during 2022 Ikom New yam festival at the Ikom with Paramount Ruler of Ikom LGA

He holds a Post Graduate degree (Maitrise) in English Private Law from the then lone University of Yaounde in 1990.

Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian and wife Princess Victorine Emambu

He is monogamously married to Princess Victorine Emambu of the royal family of Nzockmanyi in the Njungo Community of Kupe Manenguba in the South West Region of Cameroon and blessed with five wonderful children: Prince Reagan Eno Ojangeno and Princesses Darrelle Awu Eno Ojangeno, Rhea Manyi Ojangeno, Abigail Tabe Ojangeno and Angeline Foretia Atabong,.

Wife of Ntufam Ojong Eno Cyprian Princess Victorine Emambu

Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian with wife and children

HRH Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian has been the chief of Ekok since 2004 following the passing away of his predecessor Ntufam Ntui Jacob Ntui in 2002. The official government Certification and eventual installation took place in 2006. Since then, his reign has been the most productive in terms of animating and empowering both the village and its youths being a youth leader before becoming the chief. This is manifest in the several awards received by Ntufam Ojang Eno.

Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian Arrives at the ceremonial grounds for his coronation as Iyamba of Mgbe Institution in Ekork in 2022

He has been very politically active. He was elected into the Eyumojock Council followed recently by being elected the South West Regional Assembly.

HRH Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian tried his hands in many things before as he is still doing today. As a young man, he had shown interest in becoming a film star. His charming looks and sound oral production got him recruited into a drama group where he acted, recited poetry and played major roles in the troupe that toured not only the North West Region of Cameroon but extended to coasts of the country.

Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian Performing Mgbe initiation traditional rites

Away from his demanding chieftaincy duties, HRH Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian is a businessman involved in import and export trade across the Cameroon/ Nigeria borders. He is a farmer with many oranges, palms and bush mangoes concerns.

Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian Performing Mgbe initiation traditional rites

Ntufam Ojang Eno Cyprian (middle) Performing libation at the Eyumojock Traditional Rulers Association meeting at Ekork in August 2023

He is sportive and an avid lover of football.

HRH Ntufam Ojang Eno is a blessing to Ejagham as a whole but his role within the work of Ejagham Tradition (EjT) cannot be over emphasized.

 

           

 

President, Eyumojock Traditional Rulers Association

2020 – 2023

His Royal Highness (HRH) Chief Hon. Moses Besong Obenofunde

Chief Hon. Moses Besong Obenofunde was born in 1958 at Kumba to the family of Zebulun Obale Obenofunde and Magdaline Besem Besong, both of the Ejagham clan of Cameroon.

Chief Obenofunde (right) at the university campaigning for a position in the students’ government

After primary and secondary education, Chief Obenofunde enrolled into the Faculty of Law of the University of Yaounde, Cameroon in 1979 and graduated in 1984 with a Maitrise Degree in Law.

Chief Obenofunde (right) in Buea with wife and Chief Tabetando after taking oath as Barrister at Law.

Chief Obenofunde worked as a corporate lawyer in Akintola Williams and Co., Meridien Bank Cameroon and Bank Meridien BIAO Cameroon. In 1994 he became a Co–Liquidator of a UNILEVER subsidiary, Plantation Pamol Du Cemeroun LTD. After serving in that capacity for three years, by a debt/equity swap he transformed the company into PAMOL PLANTATIONS LTD with the Government of Cameroon becoming the majority shareholder.

Chief Obenofunde addressing Eyumojock Traditional Rulers Association at the Ejagham Language Codification (ELC) Intelligibility Test in Limbe.

He was then appointed to the position of General Manager of the new company in 1996. He served in that capacity for nine years. During the time, not only did he make profits for the company for most of the time, he built a soap factory and rehabilitated an oil mill in Ndian Estate which was abandoned for about 14 years.

Chief Obenofunde (left) in China with Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs

It is while he was serving in PAMOL that his father, Chief Zebulun Obale Obenofunde transitioned and he was called upon to replace him as the Chief of Bajo in 1997. He thus became the sixth Obenofunde monarch in the Royal lineage of Bajo.

Chief Obenofunde (left) in a plenary session of parliament serving as President of Foreign Affairs Committee

Chief Hon. Moses Obenofunde also served the Ejagham people of Cameroon as their representative in the National Assembly of Cameroon from 2026 to 2012.

Chief Obenofunde (middle) In Afab during a tour of the Ejagham sub-constituency

He was later called upon by his peers of the Ejagham clan to lead them as President, Eyumojock Tradition Rulers Association, a position he held for four hears.

Chief Obenofunde (middle) after a joint session of EjT representatives and Eyumojock Traditional Rulers during the ELC intelligibility test.

It was in this capacity as President, of Ejagham Chiefs that he got the Ejagham clan recognised in the Police records of Cameroon. (Prior to this, the Ejagham people had, in the police records, been assimilated to the Bayangi clan).

Chief Obenofunde (left) in Beijing with Vice President of the Chinese National Assembly

It is also in this capacity that he championed the Ejagham language codification project initiated by Ejagham Tradition (EjT) in Cameroon for the harmonisation of all Ejagham language variants in Cameroon and Nigeria.

Chief Obenofunde (left) with other Eyumojock Traditional Rulers engaged in the completion of Ejagham Language Codification Wordlist and Voiceover recording.

Chief Obenofunde is an accomplished defender of Ejagham course. However, according to him, the emergence of EjT further motivated him to fight for the recognition of Ejagham clan in the police records in Cameroon.

Chief Obenofunde with President, EjT Engr. Chris Anom in Houston Texas.

Eyumojock Traditional Rulers Association is the apex Ejagham traditional ruler’s council in Eyumojock sub-division which is made up the three Ejagham clusters in South West Cameroon, Obang, Njemaya and Ngunaya clusters. Chief Hon. Moses Obenofunde hails from Obang cluster. Eyumojock is one of the sub-divisions in Manyu division of South West Cameroon. Manyu division is made up of four dub-divisions – Akwaya, Eyumojock, Upper Bayang and Mamfe sub-divisions. South West of Cameroon is made up of six divisions as shown in the map below.

South West Cameroon Map

 

South West Cameroon Map showing Ejagham speaking clusters in Many Division

Chief Obenofunde continues to serve in connection with activities relating to the traditional stools. The South West Chiefs Conference (SWECC) is the apex Traditional Rulers council in the entire South West Cameroon. Chief Hon. Moses Obenofunde is the current President of the council. He assumed this role in July 2022, before wrapping up his tenor as President, Eyumojock Traditional Rulers Association.

Chief Obenofunde (3rd from left), President of SWECC, with South West Chiefs during SWECC meeting in Douala.

In his private life, he runs a law firm and oversees other businesses.

Chief Hon. Moses Obenofunde is married to Maria Elang and God has blessed them with five children.

He is a devout Christian.