The funeral service of Pa Samuel Asobo Mbuyah at Presbyterian Church Ntahkekah was awash with tributes, hymns, and peace plants on Saturday, May 24, 2025, as hundreds of mourners largely Christians, political comrades, and community members converged to bid farewell to Pa Samuel Asobo Mbuyah, a man whose life was deeply rooted in Christian values and dedicated political service.
From the Bamenda Regional Hospital Mortuary, a solemn procession wound its way to the church where Pa Mbuyah worshipped in his final years, the Presbyterian Church Ntahkekah. The service was marked by spiritual reverence and emotional tributes. His final resting place, his family compound in Futru Nkwen, now holds the remains of a man who bridged the worlds of faith and politics with integrity and humility.
Addressing the funeral service on behalf of Bali Old Boys Association (BOBA) an association that brings together graduates of Cameroon Protestant College Bali (C.P.C Bali), Dr. Apana Christopher Akop on behalf of the National President Prof. E. Duga TITANJI described Pa Mbuyah as a true BOBAN who served the college in many ways with unprecedented dedication. Describing him severally as a senior BOBAN, Dr Apana acknowledged with visible expression of deep emotions how committed Pa Mbuyah was to the association.
“He is a great loss to us,” the Mayor of the Bamenda III Council Fongu Cletus Tanwie, who is also the Regional Chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) said in his tribute.
“When it was right, he said it was right. When it was wrong, he said it was wrong.” He added that the SDF National Chairman, Hon. Joshua Osih, was deeply touched by the news of Pa Mbuyah’s passing, noting he died at a time the party is preparing to “take over the country.”
In his sermon, the preacher described Mbuyah as “a real Piyin man” a reference to his cultural roots and polygamous family but above all, “a Christian whose life gave meaning to Jesus’ teachings.” He urged mourners to live in unity, have reverence for God, and make peace a priority.
“Life is sweet when Jesus is in it,” he said. “The death of Mbuyah should make you men and women.” he added as he encouraged the family
The Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF), of which Pa Mbuyah was a longtime leader and patron, played a prominent role in the farewell, singing, waving peace plants, and delivering a moving tribute.
Like the family representatives, the representative of the Ntahkekah Church Community expressed gratitude to the late Samuel Asobo Mbuyah for contributing in more ways than one in growing the church as a peaceful and supportive man he was.
Born on December 1, 1945, in Pinyin to Pa Khan Ayimdi and Mama Wopong Elizabeth Mengie, Samuel Asobo Mbuyah was the last of five children only one sibling survives him.
Mbuyah’s educational journey began in Basel Mission Schools in Pinyin, Bome, and Njenka Bali, continuing at CPC Bali where he obtained the London GCE O-Level. He later earned a diploma in Cooperative Studies from the National Cooperative College, Bamenda, and participated in numerous professional development programs in accounting, auditing, and management.
In his extensive career, he held key positions in NWCA Ltd, TAMAC, and other institutions. He served as a staff representative, employees’ assessor at the Mezam High Court, and arbitrator in high-profile cooperative disputes. He facilitated workshops across Cameroon and beyond, contributing to the training of over 800 Common Initiative Groups and Cooperatives.
Pa Mbuyah was not just a technocrat, he was also a political figure of repute. As the longest-serving municipal councillor of the Bamenda III Council, he chaired finance committees and represented his community at both the divisional and city levels.
His social engagements were equally impactful. From leading the Pinyin Development Organization to serving as President of ACOMEX-Cameroon and treasurer of the Commonwealth Civil Society Organisation for the North West, Pa Mbuyah’s fingerprints are on several development realisations in the region.
But perhaps his greatest commitment was to the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon. He was a Parish Secretary, Project Chairperson, and Financial Secretary at various levels of the CMF even at the national level. For over two decades, he facilitated CWF/CMF joint workshops, embodying the Christian principle of lifelong service.
As the community laid him to rest, it was clear that Pa Samuel Asobo Mbuyah was more than a man. He was an institution of wisdom, discipline, and devotion. His life continues to speak through those he mentored, the projects he championed, and the faith he lived.
He leaves behind not just a family and a political party, but a generation inspired by his example.
By Bakah Derick
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