The Bangou royal court has issued an urgent warning to the Minister of Arts and Culture regarding a succession crisis that has been ongoing for six years. Prince Tiamegny Luther and notable Mba Sah Kondieu Tayo Alexis, acting as representatives of the royal court, sent a formal request to the Minister on March 20, 2026, seeking the cancellation of an event they deem questionable and likely to compromise the cohesion of the Bangou community.
At the heart of the problem is a dissident group that, according to the royal court, has been striving to sow division within the community for six years. This group, calling itself the "Council of Bangou Notables of Yaoundé," plans to organize the second edition of the "Day of Notables" in Yaoundé, from April 12 to 18, 2026, at the National Museum. The event is placed under the supervision of one Tchihou Tayo Arnaud, who presents himself as the "King of Bangou," a claim that the royal court vigorously disputes, insisting that His Majesty Ngambou Kemayou Maurice is the legitimate king, in accordance with traditions.
The royal court emphasizes that a Prime Ministerial decree dating back to April 7, 2022, had already established an administrative commission of inquiry responsible for examining the succession dispute. However, this commission has still not issued its report, and the contested event is maintained, which, according to the royal court, constitutes a violation of the Prime Minister's authority.
Faced with this situation, the Bangou royal court is calling on the Minister of Arts and Culture to intervene to cancel the April event, with the aim of preserving public order and preventing an escalation of tensions within the community. The letter addressed to the Minister was also forwarded to the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Territorial Administration, the Prefect of the Nfoundi Department, and the Sub-Prefect of the Bangou Subdivision.
The Bangou chieftaincy, located in the West region, is an influential traditional institution in Cameroon, and any succession dispute has significant implications for many nationals, both in Cameroon and abroad. The decision of the Minister of Arts and Culture, expected before April 12, 2026, will determine whether the contested event will take place or not, leaving the Bangou community in suspense.
