In a striking demonstration of unity, respect for tradition, and community leadership, over 500 commercial bike riders from Bamenda I, II, and III Municipalities in Mezam Division made a grand visit to Mankon Palace on Thursday, January 25, 2023, to pay homage to the newly enthroned paramount ruler, His Royal Highness Fo Asaah Angwafor IV (also known as Fo Fru Asaah Ndefru Angwafor IV).
The riders, who form a vital part of Bamenda’s daily transport network—especially in hard-to-reach areas—were led by their special benefactor, Dr. Joseph Mubang (Founder and CEO of the JF Mubang Foundation), a proud son of the North West Region based in the United States. Dr. Mubang’s presence in Bamenda at that time enabled him to mobilize and accompany the group in this meaningful gesture of solidarity with the new Fon, who had succeeded his late father, Fo Angwafor III (who passed in May 2022 and was enthroned in June 2022 following traditional mourning rites).
True to the dramatic and spectacular style that characterizes their profession, the bike riders converged at T-Junction before embarking on a colorful convoy through Bamenda’s streets to the palace. Their procession drew admiration from passers-by and even elicited nods of approval from police officers at control posts, turning the journey into a visible symbol of organized community pride and discipline.
Upon arrival at the historic Mankon Palace, the riders were warmly received by HRH Fo Asaah Angwafor IV. In his address, the Fon expressed genuine happiness at their visit and extended special thanks to Dr. Joseph Mubang for his instrumental role in organizing it. He acknowledged the invaluable service bike riders provide daily—transporting people to destinations where conventional vehicles cannot reach—and commended them for their selfless support during the one-month mourning period (Nikwi) for Fo Angwafor III, from December 15, 2022, to January 15, 2023, when they ferried many to the palace for tributes.
Looking ahead, the Fon urged the riders to contribute to the growth and development of Mankon Fondom as a whole. He emphasized the importance of peace and unity among themselves, challenged them to be responsible citizens by upholding honesty and integrity, and called for collaboration with traditional authorities to foster progress. His message was followed by a solemn blessing: the Fon personally blessed their motorcycles, then delegated one of his subjects to apply cam-wood powder on each rider’s forehead—a traditional sign of protection, favor, and spiritual endorsement.
The palace hospitality continued with a generous meal served to all the visitors, after which group photographs were taken to immortalize the historic occasion.
Visibly elated and inspired, the commercial bike riders pledged to heed the words of their “Father” (the Fon) and implement his guidance in their daily lives and work. As a family united with their benefactor, they rode back in convoy from the palace to T-Junction, where Dr. Mubang personally distributed tokens to each rider—enough to add fuel to their tanks as a practical gesture of appreciation and encouragement.
This event builds on Dr. Mubang’s close ties with the bike rider community, including his helmet donations at the Archdiocese’s end-of-year Thanksgiving Mass just days earlier (December 31, 2022). Notably, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Bamenda, he is currently supporting the formation of an Association for Commercial Bike Riders in the North West Region. Registration is ongoing at the T-Junction Quarter Head office, with interested members required to join OPSECS Limited (a security-related initiative) and BEPHA Bamenda—a financial institution and health insurance scheme owned by the Archdiocese—to promote welfare, safety, and organized representation.
In a region where motorcycle taxis are both a lifeline and a high-risk profession amid socio-political tensions, this palace visit exemplified mutual respect between traditional leadership, community workers, and philanthropic support—fostering peace, responsibility, and collective progress in line with Dr. Mubang’s enduring principle: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
