Chief Ayamba buried amid security clampdown!

-       Hundreds arrested and later released

-       11 SCNC activists under detention

-       Gov’t confiscates Ayamba’s original coffin

-      Family forced to publicly renounce SCNC 

Chief Ayamba Ette Ottun, former Chairman of the Southern Cameroons National Council, SCNC, has been finally buried in Banya Quarters in Mamfe. He was interred, Saturday, July 26, by members of his immediate family at his family compound amidst tight security.

The mortal remains of Chief Ayamba were supposed to be removed from the Mamfe Mortuary on Friday, July 26. But tension and a security swoop on SCNC activists who had gathered in the town led to the ‘sealing’ of the mortuary by Manyu administration.

Over 300 mourners were reportedly arrested and later released miles away from the funeral that was restricted only to members of the Ayamba family.

The mortuary remained heavily guarded most of the day on Saturday as security tightened to wade off any form of activity by members of the secessionist movement, the SCNC to which Chief Ayamba was leader.

At Eyumodjock, a special coffin prepared by the family and SCNC militants possibly in Nigeria and brought in through Ekok was confiscated. The police seized the coffin and impounded all the burial and funeral paraphernalia flown in from Europe and USA.

Despite the stiff resistance mounted by the Eyumodjock local population, the might of the police prevailed and without any other option, they abandoned the coffin with the men in uniform.

At press time, late Saturday, all vehicles entering Mamfe from Bamenda, Ekok and Kumba ends were still being rigorously stopped and searched. Those found with any writing or program or flag of the Southern Cameroons are brought down the vehicles, made to sit on the tarmac and later sent back, denying them access into Mamfe.

Back in Mamfe, Chief Ayamba’s widow, Gladys Ayamba, told Cameroon Headlines Ca in a telephone interview that the corpse of her husband was released to the family only after they were forced to make an undertaking before the Manyu administration to the effect that the conduct of the funeral was going to be a private one.

Mrs. Ayamba insinuated that she was coaxed and obliged to sign an undertaking stating that participation of the SCNC at the funeral was not going to be allowed; else her husband will not be buried. She added that they were forced to make a public announcement to this effect.

“We were told to denounce Chief Ayamba’s membership with the SCNC. We were forced to put up an announcement on radio this morning dissociating ourselves from the SCNC and promising that no SCNC member or article will be at the funeral grounds,” Mrs. Ayamba told The Journal, Saturday night, in a wobbly voice.

Though there was disagreement among Ayamba’s children as to whether or not to sign the undertaking, Cameroon Headlines learnt that the children and close family members who had flown in from abroad insisted that the commitment be taken.

Once the undertaking was signed, security at Chief Ayamba’s home tripled, with three trucks load of soldiers, gendarmes and elements of the Mobile Intervention Unit (GMI 5 from Buea) stationed right in front of the compound.

At the Mortuary

Chief Ayamba’s house in Banya Quarters, Bessongabang Road, Mamfe, is located about 300 metres from the Mortuary premises. The program that accompanied the convoy that was blocked from entering Mamfe from Ekok indicated that there was going to be a parade with the corpse around Mamfe town before the planned “State Burial.”

At the mortuary, however, there were mixed troops of police, soldiers and gendarmes guarding the area from the road to the hospital and beyond so that no such parade could take place.

Some people said to be immediate family members negotiated the removal of the corpse without any SCNC interference or participation. And the corpse was eventually released to Chief Ayamba’s widow at 11:30am, Saturday.

As the corpse left the mortuary, five security vehicles loaded with heavily armed men followed the funeral procession, making the occasion an authentic state funeral, sort of - though not the kind the SCNC would have loved to have.

After prayers from the Baha’i Holy Book, Chief Ayamba’s biography was hastily read with the reader skipping sections that mentioned the SCNC and Southern Cameroons. Everyone around deciphered the rest.

Chief Ayamba’s remains were lowered into the grave at 4:15pm still amid tight security. Those who witnessed the burial were made to present proof of relationship to the deceased.

Family sources hinted The Journal that the coffin in which Chief Ayamba was buried was provided by the local administration in Manyu; the original coffin having been confiscated for carrying SCNC insignia.

Enter Manyu SDO

The inability to take out Chief Ayamba’s corpse from the Mortuary until 11:30am on Saturday was blamed on the overzealousness of the Senior Divisional officer for Manyu, Peter Tieh Ndeh.

In a telephone interview, Tieh Ndeh refuted allegations that he sealed the Mamfe mortuary. He also denied declaring a state of siege in Manyu, even when restrictions of movement served as a pointer. He denied banning the SCNC constituent General Assembly that was supposed to take place today, Sunday, July 27.

“What do you call a state of emergency? Manyu is not a Republic and so Manyu cannot declare a state of emergency. If it was declared, you should have heard it over CRTV because it is a presidential decree that declares a state of emergency. You could have just come to see if you have difficulties entering into Mamfe. I was not invited to Chief Ayamba’s funeral. I don’t know anything about his burial. If you have anything concerning the mortuary, you should find your way to the hospital, not the SDO. I’ve been in my house all day. I’ve not gone out. I only went for sports in the morning across the town. I did not see any trouble in town. There is no problem in Mamfe. What is SCNC? Is the SCNC a political party that they should hold a meeting in Mamfe? In any case, it is not the competence of the SDO to suspend a public meeting. You can verify if meetings are holding in Mamfe or not from the DO for Mamfe. The SDO doesn’t give authorization for meetings and so the SDO cannot ban them. I think I have cleared your mind on that issue of the corpse of Chief Ayamba. I don’t want us to talk about it again.” The SDO told Cameroon Headlines .

Frustrations

Ayah Paul Abine, Secretary General of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and former CPDM MP for Akwaya expressed frustrations at the whole state of emergency thing in Mamfe in a telephone chat with Cameroon Headlines . He was blocked from entering Mamafe from Akwaya through Bahuru.

“I’m now in Buea. I was prevented from entering Mamfe. I returned to Bamenda and later came back to Buea. I was blocked from entering Mamfe by security forces. I was later advised not to insist; else I would be rough handled. I’m informed that security forces ransacked the hotel I booked. The owner of the hotel was put under house arrest.” Ayah said.

Quizzed on the fate of the SCNC and the constituent General Assembly that should have taken place today, Ayah said, “No such constituent assembly of the SCNC will hold.” However, he observed that “no one should say this is an end to the SCNC. Arresting a corpse and putting Mamfe under security siege does not mean an end to the SCNC.”

Ayah insists that he has made no statement on whether or not to become SCNC chairman, “but I have been called by many people to become. I’m going to consult with top SCNC officials for the way forward.”

11 arrests confirmed

Though over 300 persons had reportedly been rounded up at a hotel in Mamfe, they were later released after a thorough search.

Ako Abunaw, Chief Organizer of Chief Ayamba’s funeral told Cameroon Headlines that he was under house arrest at his hotel in Mamfe. He said two other SCNC officials were also under house arrest, while eight others were behind bars at the Mamfe police station.

Though we could not confirm the figures with the Divisional Officer for Mamfe, security sources who opted for anonymity said those arrested or put under house arrest will be freed by Monday evening at the least. He hinted that their mission to Mamfe will end on Tuesday.

An SCNC official hinted that the security siege on Mamfe prevented SDF Chairman, Fru Ndi from attending Ayamba’s funeral, even after the SDF NEC meeting earlier planned for Bamenda, July 26, was postponed.

Gov’t Stops Chief Ayamba’s Funeral!

-        Corpse Locked Down in Mortuary

-        All Entries to Mamfe From Ekok, Kumba and Bamenda Under Military Siege 

Chief Ayamba

By Atia Azonwhi, July 26, 2014

Cameroon Journal, Mamfe, July 26 – It was meant to be a state funeral of its kind. But all plans appear to be on hold now pending when the Paul Biya’s regime decides to release the corpse of Chief Ayamba from a Mamfe mortuary and remove the security blockade of Kumba-Mamfe, Bamenda-Mamfe and Nigeria-Mamfe roads.

Yesterday Friday, July 25, The Journal gathered that over 300 mourners attending the planned “State Burial” of the late Southern Cameroon’s statesman and former Chairman of  the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC), Chief Ayamba, were arrested in Mamfe, Friday, July 25.

The arrests were made by a mixed contingent of gendarmes, elements of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, the traditional military and the police.

Dependable security sources told The Journal that over 2000 troops were deployed to Mamfe and along all the entry points into Mamfe from Kumba, Bamenda and neighbouring Nigeria.

“We’re trained to work and we don’t care what we are asked to do. Arresting a few hundreds of people is no big deal,” a security officer on the Mamfe mission was reportedly overheard saying in a phone conversation.

“Truck loads of heavily armed forces have taken siege of Mamfe. Movement is near impossible,” an SCNC sympathizer told The Journal.

Though we have been unable to reach the Vice Chairman of the SCNC, Nfor Ngala Nfor by phone, reports have it that his delegation from Bamenda was denied entry into Mamfe.

At about 4:30AM, this morning Cameroon time, we spoke to Ayah Paul Abine, Secretary General of the People’s Action Party (PAP) who was supposed to have left Akwaya to attend the funeral today in Mamfe and to participate in an SCNC reorganization conference.

He spoke to the Journal from his hotel room in Bamenda after he couldn’t make it to Mamfe owing to the blockage of the Bamenda-Mamfe road. Ayah told the Journal that on Friday, security operatives got news that he was lodging at Abunaw Hotel in Mamfe and invaded the premises arresting many innocent people. Asked how he got to Bamenda from Akwaya, he said he used a road track that stretches from Akwaya through Wum to Bamenda.

Ayah served for two terms as Member of the National Assembly for Akwaya on the ticket of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party and served as president of the High Court in Cameroon for over 18 years. He recently declared his interest to take up the leadership of the SCNC during its constituent assembly that was due for Mamfe this weekend.

Sources in Bamenda say that John Fru Ndi, National Chairman of the opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF) party was also supposed to be in Mamfe to attend Chief Ayamba’s funeral.

Ako Abunaw, former PAP Secretary for Communication and now a diehard member and supporter of the SCNC said security forces swooped on SCNC militants in their hotel rooms in Mamfe.

His words: "...about 30 security agents in combat gear armed to the teeth as though in a war zone from La Republique du Cameroun invaded my hotel premises without any search warrant, intimidated and arrested my customers. They've put me under house arrest. Currently, I cannot go beyond my living room..."

The Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Manyu, Peter Tieh Ndeh has reportedly sealed the Mamfe Mortuary where the Mortal remains of Chief Ayamba lie.

Asked whether he ordered the sealing of the morgue and the several arrests, Tieh Ndeh retorted: "... what am I doing with the corpse of late Chief Ayamba? I was not invited to the funeral and only heard that there was some misunderstanding between the family members and friends. I don't know the details. Why should I seal the mortuary? ... I did not order the arrest of anyone. There were some thieves in town who burgled the post office and a credit union. We had to arrest some suspects. Did they tell you I issued a statement ordering the sealing of the morgue and for people to be arrested?" The SDO asked rhetorically.

However, Raymond Akoson, a resident of Mamfe wonders aloud “Why would the SDO need several truckloads of mixed contingent of heavily armed forces from neighbouring Bamenda to arrest a few armed robbers? Mamfe has, through the years, hardly experienced armed robbery of any such magnitude. Why would this only coincide with the eve of the funeral of late Chief Ayamba? While Boko Haram is giving Biya sleepless nights in the North, why not concentrate the 'military might' on this Islamist group from neighbouring Nigeria?” Akoson asked.

Thousands of Southern Cameroonians had made plans to converge at the funeral of late Chief Ayamba. The burial ceremony was slated for today, Saturday, while a forum to reorganize the SCNC and the entire struggle for the statehood of the Southern Cameroons was due for tomorrow, Sunday, July 27.

   

However, with the new developments of events, it is difficult to tell whether the funeral and SCNC conference will go on as scheduled. Ayah told the Journal from his Bamenda Hotel room that it is obvious that nothing will go on on account of the fact that the corpse of Ayamba are still locked down in the mortuary and all important dignitaries who are supposed to be there have been stopped from entering Mamfe. Asked whether there has been a formal announcement cancelling or postponing the event, he said no, but added that the blockade of all entries into Mamfe practically makes it impossible for anything to go on.

Some have argued that the SCNC provoked the military incursion of Mamfe by making a public statement to the effect that Chief Ayamba was going to be given a state funeral. “Is this a surprise? The SCNC announced publicly that it was holding a

"state funeral" for the late Chief Ayamba in Mamfe. So how can it be taken unawares?” Wrote Tikum Mbah Azonga, lecturer, in a social media post We will bring you developments as they unfold.

State Burial for SCNC's Chief Ayamba July 26

The Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC),which is fighting for the restoration of the statehood of Southern Cameroons, recently  held an extra-ordinary session in Bamenda, dedicated to the State Burial of the former National Chairman, Chief AYAMBA ETTE  OTUN, and national security in general. 

Find below the statement following the meeting of the SCNC national Council:

                                 

                             

STATE BURIAL

     Considering the passing into eternity of Chief AYAMBA ETTE OTUN, the former National Chairman of the SCNC; 

    Cognizant of his dedication and commitment to the Restoration of the Statehood of British Southern Cameroons;

    Highly appreciative of his exemplary sacrifices to bequeath a rich legacy and give our descendants the human dignity they deserve and as ordained by the Creator;
   Determined to remain faithful to the struggle for Restoration of our sovereign homeland, British Southern Cameroons, till the colonial occupier is chased out;

The National Council declares:
1.      A STATE BURIAL for Chief Ayamba Ette Otun to be held on July 26, 2014 in Mamfe, the cradle of British Southern Cameroons nationalism. He was a  Grand Patriot.
2.      A week of National Mourning from Monday July 21 - 27, 2014 throughout the national territory of British Southern Cameroons and for all SCNC Diaspora Chapters and patriots. 

    Within this period the British Southern Cameroons Flag shall fly at half-mast both at home and abroad. Even the occupier of our land is called upon to give peace a chance in honour of the grand old man and leader as he joins his ancestors and other patriots gone before after having done his utmost.

The National Council Calls:
On all SCNC members in particular and patriots of our land in general, to mobilise massively and give Chief Ayamba, Ette Otun a befitting State Burial.
    The National Council mindful of the fact that Chief Ayamba, EtteOtun as the National Chairman was the lead representative of the SCNC  in Banjul in the case - Communication 266/2003 - against annexationist la Republique du Cameroun;
    Painfully horrified by the fact that the people's enemy bought some among us who behind our backs held talks with Vice Prime Minister Ahmadou Ali and were ferried several times to Banjul to withdraw the case against la Republique du Cameroun for annexing and colonially occupying our land and making us slaves ;
     Believing that this treacherous crack has strengthened the enemy's policy of divide and rule giving the regime the audacity to, with impunity ignore the Constructive Dialogue as approved by the AU Summit
in Libya since July 2009; 

    Mamfe is declared NO GO ZONE within the week of National Mourning culminating with the State Burial for the traitors, their collaborators and anyone who participated in the discussions that sent the trio - Isaac Oben, Theodore Leke and  Mr. Tita - to Yaounde for the Satanic dialogue.
    They should stop shedding crocodile tears and await the NATIONAL TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION when the right moment comes.
   Mamfe is equally declared a NO GO ZONE within the week of National Mourning culminating with the State Burial to the architects of the infamous Press Release of 9th June, 2014 published in The Median Newspaper No. 119 of Monday 16 June 2014, page 4 by a so-called Interim Administration of the SCNC. 
   These fortune seekers and opportunists should know that the SCNC has never been rudderless, it is not for sale, it has enough room for faithful loyal patriots and not greedy fortune seekers. The SCNC belongs to British Southern  Cameroonians and not a bunch of greedy-mindless clique.

ON NATIONAL SECURITY IN BRITISH SOUTHERN CAMEROONS

    The National Council frowns and energetically condemns the increase in cost of petrol which has influenced hike in prices of basic commodities and the growing insecurity in the country. The 5 percent salary increase for civil servants is meaningless. If not the tactics of a government that cares less about the common man,what fraction of the population is made up of civil servants? What contribution to the national economy do they account for as compared with the farmers and buyam-sellam that make up a large chunk of the population?
     Such astronomical increase in prices of basic commodities only subjects the growing army of the unemployed, the under employed and farmers to greater misery, on the one hand and rise in crime wave on the other - a direct fuel for unrest.
    The National Council is alarmed at the recent murder of a teenager by name Julius Chai, a bread hawker, on Wednesday July 2, 2014, at the Foncha Street Junction on his way to buy bread for sell.
    Disturbed by the fact that the said soldier has not yet been arrested for necessary interrogation and charge;
    Mindful of the fact that President Paul Biya has declared war on Boko Haram and recalling that we have been victims of states of emergency, curfews and economic blockade, periods within which la Republique du Cameroun occupation forces without restraint maimed and sent unfortunate British Southern Cameroonians to their early graves;

The National Council calls on:
President Paul Biya to put an end to the killing of unarmed and defenseless British Southern Cameroonians.

The authorities to arrest the murderer who is said to have escaped and prosecute him for extra judicial execution of innocent Julius Chai. This soldier has like Boko Haram killed a harmless youth. Any failure  to arrest and prosecute him is tantamount to collaboration with the agents of evil or vandalism to teach the "Anglofool" the unforgettable lesson and perpetrate colonial occupation and subjugation.

President Paul Biya to order adequate compensation to be paid to the family that lives in abject misery and has lost its source of hope.

Considering the growing insecurity in the country and the recent brutal murder of Julius Chai aimed at inciting the population, the National Council frowns at and strongly condemns the provocative establishment of a Gendarmerie Brigade in the Ntambessi Quarter, few meters away from the SCNC National Chairman's residence. This will not in the least force the SCNC and British Southern Cameroonians in general to surrender to annexation and colonial occupation.

The National Council in the supreme interest of fighting for a common destiny calls on all British Southern Cameroonians to avoid giving the occupier of our land the open door to intensify the policy of divide and rule, greater repression and exploitation.

Consequently the National Council calls on the YIVE and OLITI tribes of Akwaya, Manyu County (Division) that have suffered much human casualty and destruction of property and all other communities in
conflict to put an end to all hostilities.

Done in  Bamenda  this 13th Day of July, 2014.

For the SCNC and on behalf the British Southern Cameroonian people,

NFOR, NGALA NFOR
National Chairman, (SCNC)

Chief Ayamba “Memorial Foundation” set-up

Transition of HRH Chief Ayamba Ette Otun – SCNC National Chairman

‘HE WOULD FOREVER BE REMEMBERED’

His Royal Highness Chief Ayamba Ette Otun, traditional ruler of the Onaku people in the Eyumojock sub-division and National Chairman of the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) would forever be remembered.  On December 31, 1999, Chief Ayamba alongside retired Justice Frederick Alobwede Ebong, Pa James Sabum entered into the folklore of Southern Cameroons history as they joined a determined team of members of the Southern Cameroons Youth League (SCYL) in the seizure and proclamation of the independence of the former British Sothern Cameroons over Radio Buea.  This brazen act of courage ended the late Chief and his compatriots an 18 month detention without charges and or trial. After his unconditional release and following the death after a protracted illness of the then National Chairman of the SCNC and former Vice Minister of Education of West Cameroon Dr. Martin Ngeka Luma, Chief E.O. Ayamba assumed the responsibilities of leading the SCNC. His remarkable dedication to the struggle for statehood was capped with his vowed never to shave his noticeable long-grey beard until that day when the Southern Cameroons would be totally free. And though he never lived to see that day, he never betrayed his solemn oath.

As one-time General Manager of the defunct Societe Nationale Camerounaise (SONAC), the late traditional ruler, activist and leader of the SCNC played a pivotal role in the birth of the now famous SONAC Street in Bamenda, named after the private firm for which he managed. A fervent member of the Baha’I Faith, Chief Ayamba believed in the power of prayer which was part of his daily routine at 4:00 am each day. He also holds strong to the long-held knowledge that water is the source of good health as he drinks five liters a day in his famous ‘water therapy’.  

Like all other true African patriots, the late Chief Ayamba was focused, steadfast and courageous even in the midst of treachery and betrayals from close associates. He was never a perfect human being but his imperfection humbled him to see the greatness of the human spirit and refused to succumb to financial offers from the Biya regime for the purpose of negotiating the destruction of the struggle to which he has sacrificed so much for. Chief Ayamba Ette Otun would never be forgotten for his straight talking with a soft voice. He would always be remembered for telling the Yaoundé regime that “even at my age, no amount of your harsh treatment, threats and detention would force me to stop working for the independence of the Southern Cameroons…Yes, I am just an old man who wants a better future for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I want them to know when I am no longer there that I did not betray them; that as a human I did my best so that they should one day live in a country that would not be free by the letter of the books but by everyday encounter and experiences”.

Goodbye Chief, goodbye Chairman, goodbye dad and grand-dad and we hope to meet you someday when our turn will come. Goodbye and safe journey. But as you begin this trip, always bear in mind that you are in our hearts forever.

The Chief Ayamba “Memorial Foundation” has been set-up. Additional details & funeral program will be released later.

For more information, please contact:

Ayamba Celine (Mamfe)                   +23775264614

Ayamba Mildred Manyi (Germany) +4915216763401

Tahiri Bessem Ayamba (Germany)   +4915210615894

Ibrahim Ayamba (France)                 +33758245449

Prince Larry Ayamba (Belgium)       +32465908509

Click here to view memorial website.

“BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART

FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD” MATTHEW 5:8

Prince Larry Ayamba for and on behalf of the Ayamba family

Death snatches SCNC’s Chief Ayamba

Cameroon Headlines, Buea, June 20 - The Southern Cameroons National Council, SCNC separatist group has lost its leader, Chief Ayamba Ette Otun. He reportedly died, Thursday, June 18, at the Full Gospel hospital in Mamfe.

Information about the cause of his death is still sketchy, but unconfirmed sources say the Eyumodjock Chief who passed away at the age of 91, was  sick for a while.

Before Chief Ayamba’s demise, many citizens who did not know why he kept a bumpy long grey beard simply considered him a strange figure with a “frightful” beard.


Ayamba, who hails from Manyu division together with Justice Ebong, and another SCNC leader commonly called Pa Sabum, should be recalled, seized Radio Buea on December 31, 1999 and proclaimed the independence of Southern Cameroons. They were subsequently arrested at the Limbe Centenary stadium and taken to the Yaounde Kondengui prison where they spent about two years in detention.


Upon release, Justice Ebong fled to Nigeria and later to the United States on self exile. Chief Ayamba stayed and became National Chairman of SCNC. He replaced the late Dr. Martin Luma who died April, 2003. The interim Secretary General, Mbunwe Patrick was assassinated same April, 2003.

Ever since, he vowed never to shave his beard until the Southern Cameroons was completely free. But today, he is no more.

The courageous Mamfe elite had prior to his death, fought a hard leadership battle with Nfor Nfor Ngala, another diehard SCNC activist. He dies when the leadership crisis is unfortunately not yet resolved.

According to Martin Nfor Yembe, human rights activist and SDF first deputy mayor in Ndu Sub division, North West region, the battle between Ayamba and his vice president was all a misinterpretation of

action and misunderstanding of views following an Oslo meeting that called for a United Southern Cameroons Patriotic Coalition Front (PCF) that was made up of a Youth league, SCAPO, SCNC, and the Civil Societies in the struggle.

He holds that it was the designation of Mola Njoh Litumbe to handle the home front of the coalition that sparked off the fire that was to consume the leadership of SCNC and pull the struggle to a heavy but slow gear.

“As soon as Nfor Nfor started collaborating with the Front, with Mola at the head at home, Chief Ayamba’s close aides wailed wolf! They claimed and continue to claim that there was a hidden agenda to sideline Chief Ayamba and usher in Mola Njoh Litumbe.”

Lots of polemics were raised that have nothing to do with the struggle. Nfor Nfor, unwittingly accepted to take the mantle of leadership of the SCNC as National Chairman, and not only that, he alone eventually became three in one: National Chairman, Vice National Chairman and Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee.