By Neba Jerome Ambe
A new chapter has begun in Pinyin, Santa Subdivision following the enthronement of His Royal Majesty Kenneth Khan Asobo III as Paramount Fon (Atsaapifo), ending nearly ten years without a substantive traditional ruler.
The ceremony, held at the Pinyin Fon’s Palace on Saturday, April 11, 2026, drew sons and daughters of the village from across Cameroon and the diaspora. It marked the culmination of a traditional process that began on November 8, 2024, when the kingmakers designated HRM Kenneth Asobo as the new Fon and presented him to the administration of the North-West Region.
Emerging from a conclave of more than two weeks under the custody of traditional authorities, the new Fon was formally presented to his people in a ceremony rich in culture and symbolism. A key highlight was the “pebbling” ritual, a revered tradition believed to fortify the ruler against harm and ensure stability in the land.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh, underscored the significance of the moment and called on the new ruler to rise to the challenges of leadership. “From all indications, he has the necessary intellectual and professional background to lead this Fondom,” the SDO said. “He must work hard, overcome challenges, maintain peace, promote national cohesion, and fight against hate speech and xenophobia.”
Citing Decree No. 77 of July 1977 governing traditional chiefdoms in Cameroon, particularly Sections 18, 20, and 21, the SDO reminded the new Fon of his role as an auxiliary of the administration. He emphasized that traditional authorities are expected to assist in maintaining order, ensuring respect for administrative directives, and guiding the population.
Describing Pinyin as “one and indivisible,” the SDO urged the population to give their unconditional support to the new Fon, adding that his leadership could help restore stability in a locality that has faced multiple challenges in recent years. “With his experience, we hope that those still carrying arms will drop them and embrace Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR),” he added.
HRM Kenneth Khan Asobo III was born on January 25, 1960, in Pinyin. He attended primary school at Government School Ntamulung, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1971. He later pursued his secondary education at Government High School Kum, obtaining his Ordinary and Advanced Level certificates in 1997 and 1998 respectively. He holds a degree in Private Law from the University of Yaoundé and had a distinguished career as a senior journalist with CRTV prior to his retirement. He is married and a father of several children.
Members of the community expressed optimism that his educational and professional background would bring renewed direction to the Fondom.
Rev. Mekom Samuel, a Pinyin elite who attended the ceremony, described the enthronement as historic. “A house without a head, like one without a roof, cannot stand,” he said. “For years, it has been difficult to move forward as a united people. Now, we have a shepherd to guide us.”
He called on elites to support the Fon in driving development, noting the urgent need to rehabilitate schools, improve roads, and restore essential services such as electricity and potable water. “Despite being one of the largest villages in the North West Region, much still needs to be done to match its potential,” Rev. Mekom added.
Another indigene, Muma Jude Awa, said the enthronement had restored hope and order within the community. “Today is a lifetime event for me,” he said. “Without leadership, there was disorder. Now, with a Fon, disputes, including family conflicts and farmer-grazer issues, will be better managed.” He also pledged to contribute to the development of Pinyin by using his communication skills to relay the Fon’s message to the people.
A cross section of the population at the event
Observers believe the return of a paramount ruler could mark a turning point for Pinyin, a Fondom considered central to Santa Subdivision and sharing boundaries with communities in the West Region, including Babajou.
The enthronement ceremony is expected to be followed by an official coronation scheduled for December 2026, which will further consolidate the authority of the new monarch. As celebrations continue, hopes remain high that the reign of HRM Kenneth Khan Asobo III will usher in lasting peace, unity, and development for the people of Pinyin.
