By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The 2024 Ngonnso Cultural Festival, scheduled to begin on November 27th and conclude on December 4th, has been postponed. According to a press release issued by Ngwang Emmanuel Wirngo, Secretary General of the Nso Development Association (NSODA), the postponement was decided by His Royal Majesty, Sehm Mbinglo I, after consulting with various stakeholders.
The communique outlines several changes to the Ngonnso Cultural Festival (Ngam Liiwong 2024), including the introduction of a reconciliation strategy for the entire Fondom of Nso and a change in the festival dates, which are yet to be announced.
“These changes will facilitate the completion of critical traditional rites and ongoing repairs and construction works at Nto’ Nso,” the communique states. “They will also allow for the introduction of a community reconciliation process aimed at strengthening unity, understanding, and peace within our Fondom.”
HRH Sehm Mbinglo I has indicated that the reconciliation strategy will involve open and frank discussions across the Fondom, engaging traditional institutions, Nso Village development associations, and social interest groups. This will be accompanied by critical traditional rites as dictated by Nso culture.
The Fon urges all sons and daughters of Nso land, both at home and abroad, to embrace this opportunity for healing, growth, and unity, and to join hands in building a harmonious and united Great Fondom of Nso.
Nso Traditional Society Confirms Postponement of “Ngam Liiwong”
The Nso Fondom’s legislative body, the Nwerong, has confirmed the postponement of the Ngam Liiwong cultural festival.
In an official public declaration, the Nwerong cited the need to complete significant traditional rites and reconciliation processes as the reasons for the delay.
The highest traditional authority has issued a stern warning against the spread of misinformation. “Nwerong” urged the public to rely solely on official statements and avoid speculating on the reasons for the postponement.
Nso Indigenes Welcome Rearrangement of Traditional Festival
Following the recent postponement of the “Ngam Liiwong” festival, many Nso indigenes residing in Yaoundé have expressed support for the decision. They believe that the reasons cited by the Paramount Fon of Nso and the “Nwerong” society are valid and necessary.
According to these residents, reconciliation and peace within the palace are crucial, as is the completion of vital traditional rites.
As Shey Kongnso stated, “I welcome the decision of our Paramount Fon and traditional society because we need to cleanse the land. Many things have gone wrong, and it’s necessary to put everything in order to ensure a smooth festival.”
Mami Belta, a trader in Yaoundé, said, “The Nso land has suffered greatly, and it’s time to seek the intervention of the gods. Reconciliation is the first step, and I fully support this decision. I look forward to the future.”
Ngonnso Festival Returned After A 7-Year Pause
The Ngonnso Cultural Festival, the largest cultural event in Nso, was making a triumphant return after a seven-year break. The festival was suspended in 2017 due to the socio-political crisis in the Northwest and Southwest Regions.
The Ngonnso Cultural Festival commemorates Ngonnso, the mythical founder and mother of the Nso people. In the 1950s, Nso residents began an annual cultural week to celebrate this Nso hero, warrior, and founder. Yaya Ngonso, as she is also known, was the first Fon (head) of Nso.
During the Ngonnso Cultural Festival, Nso people showcase their rich cultural heritage through traditional dances, art exhibitions, and crafts. The Nso people are people of the Bamenda Grass fields in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.
One of the festival’s objectives is to preserve and promote the Nso people’s cultural heritage. This heritage is evident in their arts, crafts, and historical sites.
Ngonnso, the matriarch of the Nso Dynasty, migrated from Rifum in the Adamawa Region in 1394. Her siblings, Nchare Yen and Mfoomban, founded the Bamoun and Mbamois Dynasties in the West Region and Bafia in the Center Region, respectively.
Historical records indicate that in 1394, three members; Mfoombam, Nchare Yen, and Ngonnso (Nchare Yen’s sister) of the Rifum Royal family in Bankim, Adamawa Region, Cameroon, left their home in anger due to a succession dispute.
In honor of this influential woman, the Nso people, under the leadership of their Fon, named their cultural festival after her. The Ngonnso Cultural Festival is a celebration and promotion of Nso culture to the world.
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