After more than four decades without a crowned traditional ruler, Upper Bokova village in Buea Subdivision is on the cusp of a historic moment, as preparations intensify for the coronation of His Royal Majesty Barrister Evanjoh Abel Nyoki slated for Saturday, April 25, 2026. The milestone event follows his earlier designation as chief. It is widely seen as a turning point for a community eager to restore tradition, stability and development after 44 years of chieftaincy vacancy.
At a press briefing, the Secretary General of the coronation organising committee painted a vivid picture of a village already in celebration mode, with a series of carefully planned activities designed to unite the population and rekindle cultural pride. The pre-coronation programme began on a vibrant note on Tuesday with a marathon race stretching from Bokova to Bova II, drawing participants across age groups and backgrounds. This was followed by entertaining football matches that symbolised community bonding, featuring teams of “to-be mothers” versus mothers, and veterans taking on the youths. Winners walked away with prizes, but beyond competition, the events fostered a renewed sense of togetherness among the people of Upper Bokova.
The cultural dimension of the celebrations is set to peak on Thursday with a grand cultural night, where groups from Upper Bokova and beyond will showcase a rich tapestry of traditions. Notably, the event will host cultural troupes from different ethnic communities, underlining the inclusive spirit that organisers say defines both the coronation and the leadership vision of the chief-designate. The following night, Friday, will see the Nganja secret society perform sacred rites, whose traditional cleansing ceremony is expected to spiritually prepare the land and its people for the installation of their new ruler.
Beyond the festivities, attention is equally focused on the developmental track record and ambitions of Barrister Evanjoh. According to the organising committee, his impact has already been felt across several sectors even before his formal coronation. He has facilitated scholarship opportunities for young people, supported youth empowerment initiatives, and spearheaded efforts to improve basic infrastructure in the village. Street lighting has been installed in parts of Upper Bokova, enhancing security and night-time activity, while initiatives to provide potable water are already addressing long-standing challenges.
In a major boost to local livelihoods, the chief-designate is also credited with facilitating the installation of an electricity transformer, effectively restoring power supply to sections of the village that had long been in darkness. These efforts, residents say, signal a leadership style rooted in practical solutions and community upliftment.
Health and social welfare have not been left out of the build-up activities. In partnership with Biaka University Institute of Buea, free medical consultations and first-aid services were offered during the sporting events, providing much-needed access to healthcare while reinforcing the communal spirit of the celebrations.
A central message emerging from the press briefing is that of unity in diversity. The Secretary General emphasised that the coronation has drawn contributions and participation from both indigenes and non-indigenes residing in Upper Bokova. This broad-based involvement reflects Barrister Evanjoh’s stance against discrimination and tribalism. He is said to be committed to building a community where every resident, regardless of ethnic origin, feels welcomed, valued and represented.
“He attends to everyone without distinction because they are all his subjects,” the Secretary General noted, adding that the chief-designate’s foremost mission is to unite Upper Bokova into a peaceful, stable and progressive community.
As Saturday approaches, anticipation continues to build across Buea Subdivision and beyond. For many, the coronation is more than a ceremonial installation and represents the rebirth of traditional authority in Upper Bokova and a renewed opportunity to chart a path of unity, inclusion and sustainable development.
