Centuries of shared history, culture and commerce took centre stage in Bamenda as the Paramount Fon of Babadjou, Fo Kaffo Sambankeing Langevin, paid a landmark visit to the North West Region on 4 and 5 July 2026, receiving a royal welcome at the Nkwen Palace where traditional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, cultural solidarity and national unity.
The visit, described as the first official visit by the Babadjou monarch to the Nkwen Palace since his ascension to the throne, drew traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for a colourful ceremony marked by symbolic exchanges of royal gifts and messages of fraternity.
Welcoming his guest, the Paramount Fon of Nkwen, HRH Fon S.F. Azehfor III, said the relationship between the two kingdoms predates colonial rule and remains rooted in shared ancestry, culture and long standing trade.
"I am very happy to see my brother here. Since his ascension to the throne, this is his first visit to the Fondom of Nkwen. You are highly welcome," Fon Azehfor III told the gathering.
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The Nkwen monarch reminded the audience that the bonds between both communities had endured for generations.
"We traded together before colonial times. Even before the colonial divisions, we had already been brothers and sisters. We share a common culture, common heritage and a common traditional system of governance."
He noted that many people of Babadjou have lived in Nkwen for decades and continue to integrate peacefully within the community.
"The Babadjou people are here in Nkwen and they have been here for a long time. They are in good hands. Our two communities will continue to promote love among us, peace and living together."
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Against the backdrop of the ongoing security challenges affecting parts of the North West Region, HRH Fon Azehfor III used the occasion to urge Cameroonians to unite around peace and national development.
"We have to unite like one family, like one people, and stand for a better Cameroon tomorrow. We will stand together for peace, for love and for unity."
The Nkwen ruler also recalled the close relationship shared between the late Paramount Fon of Babadjou and the Nkwen Palace, saying the friendship between both royal institutions would continue across generations.
Following the speeches, the people of Nkwen presented the visiting monarch with a symbolic walking staff and a traditional throne as expressions of honour and friendship. Queen Calista of Nkwen also presented a symbolic basket gift to her counterpart from Babadjou, highlighting the role of royal women in strengthening cultural ties.
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Responding to the warm reception, Fo Kaffo Sambankeing Langevin, Paramount Fon Babadjou thanked the Nkwen Palace and reiterated that the historical relationship between the two peoples long predates the creation of modern administrative boundaries.
"The relationship between Babadjou and Nkwen did not begin today. It goes beyond our borders and even beyond our imagination. Before Cameroon became a Republic, Babadjou and Nkwen were already living together."
He described the visit as a strong message of unity.
"It is a powerful message to tell our people that Cameroon is one and indivisible."
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The Babadjou ruler also addressed security concerns that often discourage travel to parts of the North West Region, saying he felt completely at home in Nkwen despite warnings from some people.
"They told me not to come because I could be kidnapped. I asked them how the children living here continue to live if they have not been kidnapped. If they can live here, then I too can come. I feel at home in Bamenda."
The monarch further emphasised that traditional rulers across the North West and West Regions share a common responsibility towards their people regardless of administrative boundaries.
"It is only administrative arrangements that placed Babadjou on the other side. Otherwise, Babadjou would naturally belong with the North West. We are one people."
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In an interview after the ceremony, Fon Azehfor described the visit as a significant milestone in preserving historical relations between the two kingdoms.
"This visit is very remarkable because Babadjou and Nkwen have enjoyed cordial relations even before colonialism. We share an important cultural history and heritage. We are all Grassfields people."
He pointed to the significant Babadjou population living across Nkwen neighbourhoods as evidence of the enduring relationship.
"There are many Babadjou people in Nkwen. They have always been welcomed here, and together we continue to support living together and the unity of this country."
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The Nkwen monarch concluded by urging residents to preserve mutual respect, cultural diversity and peace.
"We must share our common values, respect each other's customs and traditions, live like one people and continue supporting development initiatives so that peace prevails in Cameroon."
The visit formed one of several engagements undertaken by the Paramount Fon of Babadjou during his stay in Bamenda and underscored the role of traditional institutions in promoting dialogue, preserving shared heritage and fostering social cohesion across Cameroon.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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