The Queen of Ekona Reaches her Final Resting Place

By Moki S. Mokondo in Buea for Fako News Centre

Ekona Mbenge inhabitants, friends, colleagues and relatives to the late Queen of Ekona Mbenge, Mami Findi Cecilia Namondo Mbua, have described her demise as a great lose. The deceased who was laid to her final resting place at the Chief’s Palace in Ekona on June 1, 2019, was during her funeral defined as a mother who was very devoted to the wellbeing of the entire community. She had served as president, vice-president, secretary general, financial secretary, treasurer, advisers amongst other positions in many community groups that championed the development of the town.

Those who presented eulogies could not hold their tears during the funeral. Some explained that her demise was still a shock as they didn’t expect her to leave the stage so soon. They wonder how the many children who depended on her hospitality would do in her absence as she raised children who did not even have any blood relationship with her.

While her husband, HRH Chief Findi William Ilome II, regretted that his wife did not leave to enjoy what they have laboured for over 44 years, he also testified that the late Queen was just the ideal wife for him. Her daughter, Mojoko Findi, who nursed her during her sick period acknowledged the supportive role her mother played in her life.

Also, one of her sons, Findi Mokondo noted that words were not enough to express his feelings. He however maintained that her mum added value to his life and that of his young family as they depended on her for many things.

The late queen was born on July 28, 1952 in Ma’amu village to Ma Sarah Nanyongo Mbondi and late Pa Mbua Paul. She started her primary education in Basel Mission Lysoka in 1958 and later moved to Council School Muea where she obtained the First School Leaving Certificate in 1965. She also attended Saker Baptist College in Victoria (nowLimbe) and graduated with the GCE Ordinary Level in 1970. She continued her studies at the Government Teachers Training College (GTTC) Kumba where she completed a two years Grade II teaching program. After starting a career in teaching, she returned to GTTC Kumba and obtained a Grade I certificate in teaching.

She taught in many primary schools in Moyuka subdivision of the South West Region before being promoted as bursar to Government Secondary School (now High School) EkonaMbenge in the year 2000. She occupied this position until her retirement in 2012. She got married to HRH Chief Findi William Ilome II of EkonaMbenge in 1975 and leaves behind five children (Findi Mojoko, Findi Mokondo, Findi Ikome, Findi Ilome and Findi Namondo).

Her funeral was service organised at Presbyterian Church Buea Town for security reasons due to the socio-political crisis in the English Speaking regions of Cameroon, but the burial took place at the Chiefs Palace, Ekona Mbenge. At Ekona Mbgenge, a greater proportion of its population that has been displaced to different parts of the country due to the ongoing crisis returned to bury their queen. They insisted that he mortal remains should be laid for their last honours before she was buried.