Transfer of Artifacts: NW Fons Threaten; Mafor Yefon Ama Tutu Pontificates

By Fai Cassian in Bd'da

Ama Tutu Muna

Artifacts of 300 to 400 years old previously at the North West Regional museum have been transferred to the National Meseum in Yaounde, on the instruction of Arts and Culture minister. Mafor Yefon Ama Tutu Muna, Minister of Arts and Culture according to what we gathered ordered for the transfer of the said artifacts on drummed up claims that they were not secured in Bamenda.

The transfer has angered Northwest fons to the point that they are threatening to stage a protest march to the nation capital. North West Fons Union has expressed disgust over the decision by Arts and Culture minister. “We are disappointed that the decision has been taken not only by one of our daughters, but someone who has been honoured with the distinct titles of Mafor by the Meta fons and Yefon by the Nso palace”, one traditional ruler vomited on phone.

Yet, last Sunday June 8, 2014 Mafor Yefon Ama Tutu Muna told CRTV Cameroon Calling that she ordered for the artifacts to be transferred to Yaounde as a solution given that these artifacts were not well taken care of. She claimed that the artifacts shall be brought back in the nearest future but could not say when. In the desperate attempt to clear the air, Arts and Culture minister said “what happened was that the artifacts were removed from the regional museum and stocked somewhere in the delegation. They are objects of 300 to 400 years”. She said the artifacts were not properly kept and that there are about 4000 to 6000 objects. “we have done an inventory and every time we go back to check the inventory, one or two have disappeared”, she added. She claimed that once they got report that someone was seen with an object at the airport but regretted that the ministry doesn’t have controllers at the airport. She questioned whether it was good for the objects to be left unsecured.

When quizzed on whether the artifacts would be safe in Yaounde, Arts and Culture minister responded in another rhetorical question, hear her: “Who says they are not safe here? Have they come to inspect where the museum is? Before you begin to say something is not safe, have you come to the ministry to verify?”.

Public opinion in the Northwest is aghast on the transfer of the artifacts. The Paramount ruler of Mankon, Fon Angwafo, and the President of the Northwest Fons Union, Senator Fon Teche and others are quoted by newspaper reports to have said that the artifacts should be brought back. 

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