The Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Nguia Beina Theophile has used the chiefly tree of Ngab-Tombel Second-Class Chiefdom to designate 38 years old Nkalle Theophile Salle as the new chief of Ngab-Tombel.
The designation ceremony took place on March 6, 2026, at the Government School Field Tombel, presided by the SDO.
In his presentation of the Chiefly tree, the SDO said after the demise of Late Chief Bernard Ebong Salle in 2022, the throne of the second-class chiefdom became vacant.
He said the Ndabekim family is the royal family of Ngab-Tombel, while Nbabesalle is the sub family.
Nguia explained that the chiefly tree stems from Kolle Nkalle who was the first chief of Ngab-Tombel. He said Kolle Nkalle had three sons, Jacob Ekwoge, Elung Martin and David Nkalle.
Th SDO explained that after the death Chief Kolle, his son, Jacob Ekwoge succeeded him and became the first gazette chief of Ngab-Tombel.
He said when Chief Ekwoge died, his brother, Elung Martin, succeeded him.
Nguia pointed that when Chief Elung Martin died, his brother, David Nkalle was visually paired and was considered unfit to assume the duties of the Chieftaincy.
He said upon consultation with the royal family and kingmakers, the throne was entrusted to one of their maternal cousins from the Ndabekange royal family, Athanasius Ebong Kome, who was eligible because his mother hailed from the Ndabekim royal family.
He said few years after his reign, Chief Kome died and was succeeded by his younger brother, Chief Bernard Ebong Salle because the royal family still did not have a mature candidate for the Second-Class Chiefdom of Ngab-Tombel.
“However, Nkalle Theophile Salle, the son of Ndobe Nkalle, whom we are presenting today, meets all the requirements to occupy the vacant throne of the Second-Class Chiefdom of Ngab-Tombel. He is the grandson of David Nkalle. He is a direct descendant of the royal linage of succession.” Nguia announced as he concluded the Chiefly Tree presentation.
“People of Ngab-Tombel, this is your new chief,” SDO Nguia lifted the hand of Nkalle and presented him to the population.
The Sensitization
SDO Nguia further sensitized the population that according to Article 8, 10 and 11 of Decree No77/245of 15th July 1977, there are three actors involved in Chieftaincy issues, the administration, the royal family and the notables/kingmakers.
“This is not an invention or creation of the SDO of Kupe Muanenguba. When you apply this text, you see that you are doing the will of God and the will of your ancestors.” He added.
He cautioned people not to talk about chieftaincy issues if you are not part of the three actors mentioned above.
“Before coming up with this Chiefly tree I worked closely with my collaborators and investigation was carried out by the Brigade Commander, Tombel, the Commissioner of Special Branch Tombel, Commissioner of Special Branch, Kupe Muanenguba, the Divisional Officer, DO of Tombel Sub Division, and other stakeholders. I also got inspiration from the book written by HRM Chief Mbong Walter Mesumbe on chieftaincy in Bakossi land.” He added.
He cautioned the Chief Designate that he is now the father of the entire population of Tombel. “All the people of Ngab-Tombel and their relatives are now your children. Open your ears and listen to advise. Before your coronation and official installation ceremony get into effective work for peace and security in Ngab-Tombel.” The administrative boss disclosed and cautioned him to work in collaboration with the DO of Tombel, his first hierarchy.
The SDO also called on the kingmakers and royal family to help the Chief Designate to succeed in his duties. He told the royal family to preserve the family linage so that that it cannot be destroyed by enemies.
The Consultative Talks
It should be noted that four candidates have been running for the race of the Ngab-Tombel Chieftaincy stool. They are Eko Manfred, Otto Mebone Elung, Ebong Peter Ngube, and Nkalle Theophile Salle.
In the first consultative talks conducted by SDO Nguia on December 2, 2025, Eko Manfred and Otto Mebone were eliminated from the Chieftaincy race.
Meanwhile in the second consultative talks in February 2026, Ebong Peter Ngube was also eliminated from the race, leaving Nkalle Theophile Salle as the lone candidate qualified for the stool of Ngab-Tombel.
Reactions
Speaking to the press at the end of the ceremony, Chief Designate Nkalle thanked the SDO for his sense of objectivity and fairness in handling the consultative talks. He promised to lead the people with the fear of God.
The eldest member of the royal family, Alobwede Ivo Enongene said tombel Community has been waiting for a chief to fill the four years vacancy. “Today, this dream has become a reality.” He rejoiced.
The Chief Designate is a Presidential Guard. He is married and father of five.
By Olive Ejang
