Ebamut village, Bangem Sub Division, Kupe Muanenguba Division, is abuzz with excitement as HRM Chief Esong Julius Etiba takes the throne as the 9th Chief of the community.
The coronation ceremony of the 3rd class chief, marked by pomp and pageantry, took place at the esplanade of the Chief’s palace in Ebamut on April 4, 2026.
In a speech, the Chairperson of the Ebamut Cultural and Development Association, EBACUDA, Epie Joseph Ebong, said it is with great pride and honor that they witnessed the coronation ceremony of HRM Chief Esong Julius Etiba.
He said Ebamut village is blessed with abundant natural resources, like its rich forest with pristine biodiversity.
The President disclosed that Ebamut village necessitates an upgrade from a 3rd Class to a 2nd Class chiefdom because of the nine villages under Ebamut Clan, which include Ndiamin, Nkongteh, Ndibesi I, Ndibesi II, Muadelegoe, Mualong, Nden-Muambong, and Ebamut village.
He said Bajenge, which used to be under Ebamut Clan, is administratively under Nguti Sub Division.
He pleaded with the Divisional Officer of Bangem Sub Division, Dairou Saly, to process the file of this project, which was initiated during the reign of Chief Nhon Pius Etuge.
To the newly enthroned chief, the president prayed, “You inherit our honor and responsibility. We pray for wisdom, courage, humility, and good health as you lead us all with the fear of God.” He added.
The President of the Bangem Sub Divisional Chiefs Conference, HRM Chief Mesape Clevise Metuge, led a college of chiefs at the ceremony.
He congratulated Chief Esong on the new mantle of traditional leadership. “From today, we officially receive you into the Bangem Sub Divisional Chiefs Conference, and we pray that God and our ancestors will guide and protect your new role as the leader of your people.”
Chief Esong Unveils Vision
Speaking to The Ultimate, Chief Esong emphasized the importance of unity and peace in their community. “We are stronger when we stand together, and I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that every son and daughter of Ebamut feels valued, heard, and empowered,” he disclosed.
“My vision for Ebamut is built on the pillars of unity, peace, and development. We have a wealth of opportunities in our fertile land, our waterfall, and our river,” he said.
He added that with the Ebamut river, they can excavate sand to support their people in building better homes, while ensuring that their farms produce more plantain, cocoyams, maize, cocoa, and coffee, just to name a few, improving livelihoods and boosting their local economy.
“I am pleased to announce that we will work closely with the administration, including the Divisional Officer and other government representatives, to drive development projects in Ebamut,” he said.
Chief Esong promised to create opportunities for skills development, sports, and cultural activities to keep youths engaged and empowered.
He also vowed to support initiatives that promote health, welfare, education, and economic empowerment. “As I take on this role, I pledge to serve with integrity, fairness, and dedication. I ask for your prayers, support, and cooperation as we move Ebamut forward.”
History of Ebamut Chiefs
It should be noted that Chief Ekang Nzehkong from the Ekol family was the first chief to rule Ebamut from 1910 to 1914. Chief Ewane Bah, the second chief from the Behpouh family, ruled from 1914 to 1924. Chief Mbute Ngonde, the third chief from the Muanzimbi family, ruled from 1924 to 1932, meanwhile, the fourth, Chief Ekane Ngul from the Mbidban family, ruled from 1932 to 1936.
Chief Emmanuel Dionge from the Ekangteh family ruled as the fifth Chief from 1937 to 1942. Chief Peter Mpang Nzimbi from the Muanzimbi family served from 1942 to 1998 as the sixth chief. Meanwhile, Chief Nhon Etuge Pius Enongene from the Mbidban family ruled from 1998 to 2010.
Chief Ebong Gervase Etuge, the 8th chief from the Behpouh family, served as chief from 2016 to 2021. And Chief Esong Julius Etiba, the current chief from the Ekol family, started serving in 2025.
The ceremony was spiced by performances from musicians like Njume Ewang and Mbole Judith, amongst others. Choral singing, ballet presentation, and traditional dances animated the event.
Also present at the event was the Divisional Officer of Ngoumou Sub Division, Centre Region, Retired Colonel Elume Ayah Alphonsius, Pro. Eugene Ejolle Ehabe, the 1st Deputy Mayor of Bangem Council, Enongenepie Manga, amongst others.
By Olive Ejang
