After Asaph Zadok, battle for Hamma Bachama stool rages

Known as a man of the people, bulky men took turns to carry the coffin containing the body of the traditional ruler.   Led by a marching band, the pall bearers were dressed in black attires and traditional regalia. They made their way past homes decked out in purple and black, while others in white […]

Known as a man of the people, bulky men took turns to carry the coffin containing the body of the traditional ruler.

 

Led by a marching band, the pall bearers were dressed in black attires and traditional regalia. They made their way past homes decked out in purple and black, while others in white all were on their way from the royal palace to the royal tomb.

Even before his demise, there was apprehension in the land with the Bachama-speaking community living in an atmosphere of despair and agony following rumour that their paramount ruler was dead.

The paramount ruler of first class status had been sick and was flown to abroad for medical treatment.

The 51 year old Homun Asaph Zadok, nick-named Ngoro-Ngakye, Kuzo-Vudeto literally meaning “the pools of hooks, mat of court yard’’ died in Cairo and he was the 27th king of Bachama kingdom in its over 300 years of existence, as Bachama oral tradition claims. The man was suffering from cancer of esophagus before he was flown to Cairo for medical treatment.

It was during the reign of Homun Asaph Zadok, spanning eight years that Bachama Kingdom was brought into limelight with many innovations. This included writing a Bachama encyclopaedia which gave a remarkable insight into the past of Bachama people in the form of book titled.”  The Journey of Matiyavune. His other book, titled “The Pen of Fury.”

Indeed, since he ascended the throne in 2004, following the deposition of his predecessor, Freddie Soditi Bongo, controversy continued to trail the deposition and his ascension to the throne.

A state High Court in Yola, had once dismissed the suit filed before it by the deposed Bongo, challenging his removal by the state government.

Chief Bongo, a first class traditional ruler, was deposed and banished to Bali in Taraba State, by the Boni Haruna administration, following a clash between Hausa-Fulani Muslims and Bachama Christians. About six hundred lives were lost.

No wonder, the immediate past governor of Adamawa State Mr Boni Haruna broke down and wept at Voti palace in Lamurde Local Government Area of the state during a condolence visit to family of the late Hama Bachama Asaph Zadok Zadok Gorongakye Kuzovude.

The former governor, who led a high powered delegation comprising ACN stalwarts in the state described the late monarch as a leader per excellence, adding that his demise is a great loss, not only to his people, but to the nation at large.

“I have known Asaph for over 30 years; he was highly intelligent and a lover of his people and there is so much to learn from his life, I personally will miss him.” Boni stated.

In a presumed veiled reference to Governor Murtala Nyako’s non visit the kingdom on a condolence visit of issuing a statement to that effect, Boni said “Do not be dismayed because some people did not come to identify with you in your moment of grief. Only God can console and give you a worthy replacement.”

The Raging Battle: The raging battle for the prime Hamma Bachama stool is being nurtured by high stake political interests within and outside the Dougirei Government House, Yola. This has not only prolonged the battle but has also made it more complicated.

The issue of which royal clan should produce Zadok’s successor  will be a straight fight between the six dominant royal clans in the Bachama chiefdom. The six royal clans to vie for the stool of the Hama Bachama are Kowo, Magbularon, Impang, Waduku, Nomupo, and Nokodomun.

As Bachama traditional council kept mute on the names of princes jostling for the exalted stool, a kingmaker that doesn’t want his names be mentioned told Sunday Trust, that Princehood in Bachama land is by reason of being born into any of these clans, and not necessarily by being fathered by a monarch.

“Eligibility is by birth and maturity from age 18. It is open to males only who feel personally convinced to contest. Ascension is not from father to son. As a matter of fact, there is no record that a direct descendant of Hama Bachama inherited the stool,” the kingmaker has said.

“It is not possible for the Hama Bachama to be appointed without following this process. Even as the state government has the final say, government can only reject a selected bidder, but cannot play a role in the selection,’’ another kingmaker has added.

Investigations by Sunday Trust further revealed that among the contenders are two immediate past commissioners, including a younger brother to the late Asaph and one former local government council chairman, perceived to be having government’s blessing.

More so, the elders are already casting their eyes on a possible heir. And in the corridors of power candidates are preparing for the battle of the stool.

The installation of Hama Bachama is usually done in two segments. The first is the traditional coronation, while the second is the official installation in form of presentation of staff of office by government of the day.

Mr Mike Yoila, a Bachama elder told Sunday Trust that the traditional installation of a new king takes approximately five days. “It is a painstakingly organized procedure designed to rid the new king of his potential for human error and also to infuse in him a great measure of spiritual powers,” he said.

The elder continued, saying that, during the time the new Hama Bachama will spend two nights each in the compound of the two most important agents and guardians of his power; the rain-pot and the sacred stool, both of which were brought by Matiyavune, the first king of Bachama.

After this, the king assumes the occupancy of the palace and the responsibility of the welfare of his subjects.

In Bachama land, the monarch has absolute authority as he is being regarded as king for life, except of course, he is deposed, like Freddie Soditi Bongo, who was sacked in 2004.

For now, only time shall tell who the coveted stool fits, as many Bachama traditionalists believe that the ghost of the deposed chief will continue to hunt many regarded as “his betrayers.”