HRM Chief Mesumbe Ngabe Simon, Chief of Ekaku village, Bangem, has been laid to rest at his newly built Ekaku palace. He died while planning to move into the newly constructed palace.
The traditional ruler who died on November 12, 2024, began his final journey on January 11, 2025 where the corpse was removed from the Nkongsamba Regional Hospital Mortuary, followed by military honours headed by the Central Commissioner, Nkongsamba.
In the requiem mass at Ave Maria Parish Bangem, Rev. Father Theodore Itoe from Baseng Parish, Tombel Sub Division preached on the theme “Death is a reality”.
After reading from Mathew Chapter five from the Holy Bible, he reminded Christians that death will come to everyone irrespective of their social status, just as it has come to Chief Mesumbe.
Father Itoe enjoined Christians to be prayerful, humble and peaceful at all times. He told them to shun from going to juju houses for solutions but rather seek for peace with all men. “Any child of God who does not identify with Jesus is not worthy the name. You will be persecuted even by your most trusted friends. With prayers, you shall overcome”. He added.
According to Father Itoe, once you are a disciple of Jesus, you have written your name with a golden pen.
He regretted that most families live in bitterness and hatred which is not the way of God.
He said Christians must walk in the path of righteousness by listening to the Word of God and give themselves to Jesus so that when they sleep like the Late Chief, they will be with God.
Eulogies
The Divisional Officer of Bangem Sub Division, Dairou Saly on behalf of the Minister of Territorial Administration, the Governor of the South West Region and the Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba extended deep and profound sympathy to the bereaved family.
Dairou described the late chief as a guardian of tradition, a pillar of strength in times of need, a beacon of hope, a jovial and friendly person.
He lamented that Late Chief Mesumbe assisted the administration in many ways.
Meanwhile the President of Catholic Men Association, CMA Bangem, Etube Charles regretted that Chief Mesumbe’s demise is a big lost to the association.
He said though a retired police officer and a chief, Late Chief Mesumbe was very humble, serviceable and pays all his contributions on time.
The President of Bangem Sub Divisional Chiefs Conference, HRM Chief Mesape Metuge of Nteho I wept that Late Chief Mesumbe was the epitome of their tradition and a selfless traditional ruler.
“Chief Mesumbe worked tirelessly for Bangem Sub Division and Kupe Muanenguba Division. He was very humble and serviceable. We have lost an icon and we regret it so much”. He disclosed.
The family head of Late Chief Mesumbe, Ewane George said it is a difficult moment for their family. He thanked all those who contributed financially and materially to make the funeral a success.
Biography
Late Chief Mesumbe Ngabe Simon was born on December 11, 1950 at Ekaku Bangem.
He enrolled in the Roman Catholic Mission, Bangem in 1956 where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate.
In 1966, he gained admission into St Joseph College Sasse, where he obtained his GCE Ordinary Level Certificate.
In 1972, he was amongst the successful candidates to the first police competitive exam in the Federal Republic of Cameroon.
Late Chief Mesumbe began his professional career in Douala as a young police officer. He worked at GMI Douala, Public Security Old Town Bamenda, Public Security Mbengwi, GMI Bamenda, Public Security Mbengwi again and Public Security Nguti where he worked until his retirement in 2003.
He was the chief of Ekaku village, Bangem from 2004 to 2024. He was a member of Bangem Sub Divisional Chiefs Conference, the Secretary General of the Kupe Muanenguba Chiefs Conference and a member of Catholic Men Association, CMA Bangem.
He left behind his wife, Wondje Mesumbe, children and grandchildren to mourn him.
By Noela Teneng
