In his homeland and kingdom Fontem, the death of Senator Lucas Njifua is being treated as the “setting of the sun”. According to the tradition there, a traditional ruler never dies – he goes missing.

That is why a funeral is not being organized at this time even though his body was buried in a quiet sacred ceremony on Thursday. “His passing will only be celebrated when the next ruler is being enthroned,” explained an elder. At that time, the missing ruler would have been found.

In strict respect of traditions and customs of Fontem, a kingdom in the South West that shares more traits with the North West, it is forbidden to announce the death of the ruler. But he was a senator too and the media has put the story out – to the embarrassment of his people.

Details about what happens next are difficult to verify because of the secretive nature of finding a new ruler and preparing his enthronement. But we have gathered that Fon Njifua will be succeeded by one of his sons. We are withholding his name.

Contrary to our previous report, Fon Njifua “went missing” at 55 not at more than 60 years old. The cause of death has still not been revealed and may never been known.

There have been conflicting reports about the circumstances of his death. One account, which we reported says he died at breakfast. Another says he attended a meeting in senate during which he fell ill – complaining of stomach disorder.

But we know he passed out in his car and died before reaching the hospital. His body was transported to his villages soon after for traditional burial.

Fon Njifua was also president of the South West Chiefs Conference and first-term senator. He was the quaestor of the chamber.