The death of Consty Eka, a prominent figure in African broadcasting, which occurred on February 16, 2026, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has stirred strong emotions and questions. While the official causes of death cite a sudden illness, uncertainties persist, particularly regarding the exact circumstances and the location of his burial.
Three main points fuel the controversy: the absence of an autopsy, a family conflict regarding the burial site, and the disappearance of a key witness. According to sources close to the case, an autopsy, which would have clarified the causes of death, was allegedly not carried out due to the refusal of the presumed widow. Furthermore, a disagreement opposes the family regarding where Consty Eka should rest. While some relatives want him to be buried in Mvolyé, Cameroon, alongside his parents, others favor Offa, an Ivorian village. This divergence is seen by some as a break with his Cameroonian roots.
A witness named Samba, of Senegalese nationality, who was allegedly present during Consty Eka's last moments, is reportedly untraceable. This disappearance fuels speculation and rumors surrounding the circumstances of the death. The debate goes beyond the family setting and takes on an identity dimension. The question of Consty Eka's Ivorian naturalization is raised, with some seeing it as a form of "posthumous exile".
The absence of a formal investigation is also pointed out, undermining confidence and questioning the Ivorian authorities about their role in this matter. A medico-legal clarification could ease tensions, but without a response, the controversy risks escalating, especially on social media.
Consty Eka, whose full name is Constant Marie Eka Mebenga, was a prominent figure in the Cameroonian and Ivorian media landscape. As a host, producer, and entrepreneur, he founded the CEKAM media group, as well as the CEN TV channel and Voltage 2 radio. His career has been praised for his contribution to the promotion of African culture and his pioneering role in the development of broadcasting in French-speaking Africa. His death leaves a significant void in the world of African media, and the questions surrounding his death only amplify the sadness and emotion caused by his passing.
The Consty Eka affair raises complex issues related to the management of transnational symbolic successions and collective memory. Between Cameroon and Ivory Coast, the issue goes beyond a simple burial place and touches on institutional credibility. The question of what Consty Eka really died of and who has an interest in maintaining opacity remains.
