Wonya-Mavio village in Buea, Fako Division of the Southwest Region, recently got a Chief after 50 years of vacancy.

Installing the new Chief, Andrew Mofako Lyonga, the Divisional Officer, DO, for Buea Subdivision, Paul WokamKouam, advised him to work in collaboration with his subjects in order to overcome the challenges that await him.

Observing that there are a number of issues that need to be attended to, the DO said the issue of corrupt land dealings by some indigenes was really a cause for concern.

“Wonya-Mavio has become ‘a no go’ area for land acquisition due to the double selling of plots of land by some unscrupulous natives. This has caused the administration to set up a care-taker committee to take care of the village affairs,” he said.

Wokam Kouam, however, concluded that, with the installation of Chief MofakoLyonga, he believed that all issues regarding land sales would be sorted out. He further advised the Chief to handle all disputes within his village, especially land matters, with care.

The people of Wonya-Mavio on their part pleaded with the DO to officially uplift the provincial injunction order No 007/PO/GSM/79/88/8G/CAJF, dated 18/03/2003;supply them with pipe-borne water;hasten the Wonya-Mavio second phase of land surrender at Mile 18 which some unscrupulous individuals took hostage of; recover the cemetery and sport complex as demarcated in the cadastral plan which was illegally sold by some individuals; lend their Chief support to check criminality within the village community, among others.

Chief MofakoLyongapromised to do all it takes to maintain peace, unity and, above all, ensure development in his village, while acting as an intermediary between the administration and his people.

He equally promised his subjects justice and collaboration, saying he was aware that he is a traditional ruler and his major task is to promote peace among his people and to do so in the fear of the Lord.

The ceremony, which witnessed a massive turnout by villagers, was attended by 20 other 3rd Class Chiefs.

The 31-year-old Mofaka Lyonga was born in Buea Subdivision. He is married and father of four.