The Paramount Fon Of Nso

Nso is one of the Biggest Tribes (Kingdoms) In Cameroon situated in the North West Region in Bui Division. The Capital of Nso is Kumbo originally called Kimbo. It is one of the few Kingdoms in the country that still uphold and protect the heritage of their tradition and cultural values. At The Head we have the King often referred to as the Fon of Nso; His Majesty Sehm Mbinglo I. He is the Paramount leader of others Fons in Bui Namely Oku, Noni, Mbiame, Nkar, Kiluun, Nseh, Mbokam, Ndze’en, Dzerem etc. The Kingdom founded by a woman Ngonso also has some other Traditional Rulers like Shufais, Fais, Sheys, Yaas, Fengais etc.  These people wrongly referred to as Banso has a very rich but oral traditional history. Although Oral Tradition can at times lead to some uncompromising stories/facts, the aspect of handing History down through story telling has helped to trace the History of Nso as far back as the 14th century. Nso is known for producing most intellectuals in the country, one of which is Late Professor Bernard N. Fonlon who stood behind the translation of the Cameroon Anthem from French to English, a controversial translation that has been debated for decades. He smartly read the French version and gave the English version more of what he believed would fit the honor of the country.

Professor Bernard N Fonlon

In terms of Religion, the Catholic Christians are a majority in the Kingdom and have spread to the ends of the tribe. Nso was the best clan to produce the First West Cameroon native Priest Rev Fr Aloysius Wankuy from Nkar Fondom. Nso became the first clan to produce three Bishops at a time namely Archbishop Paul Verdzekov (Of Blessedmemory), Bishop Bushu Emmanuel of Buea Diocese and Archbishop Tumi Christian of Douala Archdiocese the First and Lone Cardinal for the whole Republic. Resently another Auxilary Bishop for Bamenda Archdiocese happens to come from Djottin-Noni Bishop Nfon Agapitus still amongst the Fondoms under the Paramount rule of the Fon of Nso.

Archbishop Paul Verdzekov

Bishop Bushu Emmanuel

Christian Cardinal Tumi

Bishop Nfon Agapitus

Apart from the Catholic Church, the Baptist and the Presbytarian churches are waxing very strong in the Kingdom. One of the Greatest Pastors in Cameroon in the Presbytarian happened to be from Nso who was not only a member and founder of the Nso History Society but a man that dedicated his full life for the service of mankind. He stood the test of time and said No to materialism, winning lives and souls for the Lord. Although he is of late, his legacy remains. Read more on Pastor Fai here Closely followed population wise, the second largest religion in Nso are the Muslims. The lone religion that has succeeded to consolidate its position to build and maintain a mosque in the Palace despite the criticisms it face in the 70s.  The Muslim through a long but peaceful conflict in the 80s resulted in kind of schism and the emergence of two main Mosques, one in Mbve at the Hausa quarters and the one in the palace. It is very likely to see people leave Mbvefor kumbo mosque and vice versa on fridays, yet these muslims have remained strong despite this “cold war” that exists amongst them. Every year, Nso muslims visit the Holy land in Medina and Mecca and this year witnessed a total of more than 30 pilgrims. The reception upon return is often compared to the crowd pulling event when Kumbo Strikers ascended into Division one of the elite championship.

Nso Muslims return from Holy land

Nso Muslims return

Nso Muslims returning

Return of Nso Muslims

Nso Palace Mosque

Nso Mosque

The palace and the Mosque can be watched here: Before you might want to read about the Nso History below, you might also want to Listen to  The historian Professor Verkijika Fanso giving a lecture on the history of Nso’. Recorded in Yaounde in 2003 by David Zeitlyn who introduces the speaker and asks a question at the end. Watch here: You may read here for the Intoduction: Other Links include: 1 Settlement in Kovvifem: Click her 2. OFFSHOOTS FROM KOVVIFEM DYNASTY. still under construction 3. A Nso Man By Jeverth Nsoyuni (Hope someone writes about Nso woman) Link here 4. Nso Culture and Human Rights By Shey Kosho Donatus:  Read here 5. THE 2011-2012 NGONS0′ CULTURAL FESTIVAL: Its unique importance to the history of Nso’ By Rev. Fr Tatah Mbuy (fara woo kilesia) See Here 6. THE RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION OF NSO’ PATRIMONY: Some practical reflections By Rev Fr. Tatah Mbuy: More Here: 7. How to Become a member of the Nso History Society (NHS) By Rev Fr Tatah Mbuy: Read on NHS here:

Shey Tatah Sevidzem