The Fon of Nso, HRM Sehm Mbinglo I, fought back emotion as he led a candle-lighting ceremony at the tomb of the late Cardinal Christian Wiyghan Tumi in Douala on Sunday, October 25, as the Nso community honoured the cardinal for his role in the Fon’s return to the palace and his lifelong advocacy for peace.
The ceremony at the cathedral where Cardinal Tumi served as Archbishop brought together the Fon of Nso, the Fon of Kiluun, clergy and a large gathering of Nso people from Douala and beyond for a Holy Mass, a special collection in support of a project initiated by the late cardinal, and the presentation of a formal tribute.
The tribute followed a royal decree declaring October 25 Cardinal Tumi-Tribute Day, with the observance intended to preserve the memory of the late prelate and renew the community’s commitment to dialogue and reconciliation.
Cardinal Tumi, Cameroon’s first cardinal, was widely known for his outspoken defence of justice, human dignity and peaceful dialogue. His advocacy for peace took on particular significance during the ongoing crisis in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West Regions.
His connection to the Fon according to the people of Nso, and the circumstances surrounding their return from captivity remain central to his legacy.
In November 2020, the Fon and Cardinal Tumi were abducted by armed separatists at Baba while travelling between Bamenda and Kumbo. The cardinal was released on November 6, while the Fon was released on November 10.
The Fon returned to the Nso Palace on the night of April 2, 2021. Cardinal Tumi died in the early hours of April 3, barely hours after the Fon’s return.
The timing of the two events holds deep spiritual significance for the Fon and the Nso community, a connection also explored in the Fon’s 2026 book, The Fon of Nso and the Anglophone Crisis: A Testimony for Reconciliation and Peace.
During Sunday’s ceremony, Nsaibirni Warren Lee read a tribute on behalf of the Royal Community Dialogue Coordination Committee. The statement was subsequently presented to the cathedral as a certificate of tribute.
The document described Cardinal Tumi as “a son of Nso, a shepherd of faith, a servant of peace” and recalled his determination to see the Fon return to the palace.
It noted that although the cardinal’s final mission may have been fulfilled, the pursuit of peace remained an unfinished responsibility for the people of Nso.
“Pray for us!” the tribute concluded.
Speaking after the Mass, Nsaibirni Warren described Cardinal Tumi as a son of Kikaikelaki in Nso who maintained a strong connection to his roots despite his service to the Catholic Church.
He recalled the cardinal’s determination to accompany the Fon on the attempted return to Nso in November 2020, an effort that ended with both men being abducted at Baba.
Nsaibirni Warren said the Fon’s return to the palace and the cardinal’s death hours later had become a powerful point of reflection for the community. Drawing a comparison with Luke 2:29-30, he presented the events as a reminder of a mission fulfilled while emphasising that the work of peace and reconciliation must continue.
The tribute formed part of a wider programme of engagements by the Fon in Douala, aimed at strengthening unity among Nso people and encouraging collective responsibility for the community’s future.
Before the main ceremony, the Fon met representatives of Nso associations, including the two Bongkisheri women’s associations in Bonaberi and Douala, representatives of the 26 Ntési quarters, the Nso Youth Association led by Derick Dualah, and Big Cylinder, an association of Nso truck drivers.
During discussions with the women’s associations, concerns were raised about weak unity, low participation and inadequate support for community activities. The Fon encouraged members to bring their concerns to the community dialogue scheduled for Saturday, October 24.
He also met the Archbishop of Douala, His Grace Samuel Kleda, on Friday, October 23. The archbishop described himself as a spiritual son of Cardinal Tumi and, by extension, a son of Nso. The Fon presented him with a copy of his book.
The Fon also visited the Paramount Nfon of the Bafaw, His Majesty Nfon Ekoko Mukete IV, at his annex palace in Bonapriso, where he presented another copy of the book.
These engagements preceded the tribute and the community dialogue, which provided opportunities to address concerns affecting Nso people in Douala and reinforce ties with traditional, religious and community leaders.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, the Royal Community Dialogue Coordination Committee expressed gratitude to Archbishop Kleda for making the cathedral available and supporting the royal decree.
The committee also thanked the clergy, religious leaders, Muslim faithful, traditional authorities, community leaders, Nso people at home and in the diaspora, and all those who contributed to the programme.
The royal decree had called for the cardinal to be remembered through prayers and acts that promote peace and reconciliation. Activities included Muslim prayers on Friday, October 23, and church-based observances, with additional traditional rites in Nso to be announced separately.
The committee said the tribute should serve not merely as a remembrance of Cardinal Tumi but as a renewed commitment to the values he upheld.
“The tribute has ended, but the mission continues,” the statement declared.
It urged the community to choose dialogue over violence, reconciliation over division and respect for human life, while calling for lasting peace in Nso and Cameroon.
By Bakah Derick with reports fo Hilltopvoices Web
Images by DE LAVMFU
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