Bambalang(Ngoketungia): From the look of things, Bambalang, one of the 13 villages of Ngoketunjia Division is a respecter of human rights. His Majesty Fon Kevin Shomitang II’s village showcases a free society in the North West Region where the authority of the Fon, generally overwhelms with inhabitants simply referred to as “Subjects”. In effect, the difference emerges from Bambalang whose slaves of the yesteryears enjoyed the privilege of rights, uncommon in most traditional settings. The 80th edition of the Bambalang cultural festival “Shaatang” offered a rare moment to discover a hospitable community.
It was against this backdrop that HRH, Fon Kevin Shomitang II told the awe inspiring crowd recently that Bambalang or betterstill, Mbaw-Yakum people since revised aspects of their culture that are repugnant to natural justice in favour of human equality and the strict respect of human rights. The story was unveiled how in the past monarchs of Mbaw Yakum and some wealthy elite bought and owned slaves. That is the ugly past as the Shaatang festival revealed that all former slaves have been freed and honoured with Mbaw-Yakum Princesses as wives. The chairman of the Bambalang traditional Council, Ndimuwangia- Njih Mbasho Abdou told Cameroon Tribune about Tambashiey, a slave from Bamoun land who migrated, wedded a daughter of Bambalang and settled in the neighbourhood of Mbashie quarter where he enjoys full rights as a citizen. The legendary hospitality of Bambalang is to thank for the situation.
It is all about great fishermen who catch “Bambalang fish” in swamps and raffia bushes. The Bamendjim dam, said to have swallowed a large part of Bambalang is also a blessing to the people who are learning maritime fishing to meet up with the increasing demand for Bambalang fish, whose taste is unique. Away from that, Bambalang emerges with touristic attractions created by the dam.
Libations in shrines, homage to ancestors, display of masquerades and other traditional dances form part of activities during the festival in the village and home of Prof. Paul Mingo Ghogomu, Dr Ghogomu Albert Tapisi, Ngalah Edward, Ephraim Banda Ghogomu, Nimameh Emmanuel etc.