Soba.America.E-Newsletter.2017

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SOBAN IN THE NEWS: HRH MICHAEL AJIAWUNG FONDUNGALLAH One of our own, President Emeritus Michael Fondungallah, was recently honored by His Royal Majesty the Fon of Lewoh in Lebialem Division as Fuajiawung (Chief Ajiawung). In an interview with Divine Tange, HRH Michael Ajiawung Fondungallah had the following to say.s I joined the Lewoh Cultural and Development Meeting and became its president in 2008. 27
1. Your Royal Highness, permit me start by congratulating you, on behalf of the entire <strong>Soba</strong> community, for your recent ascension to the traditional position of “Fua” (chief) in the Lebialem division of Cameroon. As a way of opening this conversation, could you please give us a brief introduction of yourself? My name is Michael Ajiawung Fondungallah. In June 2016, I was crowned Fuajiawung (Chief Ajiawung) by His Royal Majesty, the Atemangwat of Lewoh in Lebialem Division of Cameroon. I am an attorney and I live in Minnesota. 2. This traditional title…. What does it mean and how did it come about? Fua is the highest rank one can attain in Lebialem society. It means I can sit among the royalty of Lebialem. I can wear a traditional cap into the palace (lemo’oh) and the presence of the Atemngwat and other royalty of Lebialem. It also means the beginning of a dynasty. If my chieftancy has to survive and thrive, I have to build it, nurture it and pass it on to my progeny. The title came in ppreciation for the work that I have been doing for my people here in the US and in Lewoh, Lebialem. 3. So what is the role of “Fua”? In other words, could you please shed more light on the importance of your position to your community? Fua in Lebialem is head of a large family or people. He is the custodian of the culture and traditions of the people. Fua ensures the smooth running of the people’s affairs, resolves conflicts and is a keeper of the people’s trust. 4. As a young man growing up, how much influence did tradition have on your upbringing, if any? Growing up, my father took me to all the Lebialem meetings in Victoria and for more than a decade our village meeting was hosted in our house once every month. I learnt a lot from these gatherings and my visits to the village. When I moved to the United States I joined the Lewoh Cultural and Development Meeting and became its president in 2008. 5. Has your new role impacted your life? If so, in what ways? My role in society has changed. As Fua, I have to dress traditionally and wear a traditional cap. I have to be royal. Royalty has to be reflected in everything I do. 28
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Soba.America.E-Newsletter.2017

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