The Story of Mankon

Part l: Migration, Name, and Settlement.

It had been several seasons since the great migration began. The people had rested when they could, and moved on as their strength and means permitted. They trekked in a file of not more than four people abreast. The men led and closed the file, the women and children spread out in the middle. The toughest soldiers, spears and daggers ready, led the way. Among them and at the very head was the feared and respected king, Nfo Munwi-Tingoreu (Knife Without a Handle). When the king had led his people up a great hill, he looked back to ensure all was fine. He was pleased to see his people meandering down the hill and through the valleys as far as his eyes could reach. He exclaimed, “Ohr Ma Nko!” In other words, “What a great tail!”. And so was derived the name “Mankon” for the tribe that currently occupies the coveted Bamenda low lands.

The story of the journey of the Mankon people that brought them to their current location, like many great migration stories, is full of myths. One version of the story holds that the Mankon people came from the Lake Chad region and journeyed down the Sahel and through the Adamawa highlands before settling for a while in the present Bamoun land of the West Region of Cameroon. They later left and came to settle permanently in the Bamenda valley. However, the more popular and acceptable version of the Mankon migration story indicates that Mankon people came from the Lake Chad region and moved down through Nigeria before reaching Widikum of the North West Region where they decided to settle for good. But while at Widikum, their king, Nfo Munwi-Tingoreu, heard about a beautiful valley land that had rivers, green pastures, forests, and surrounding mountains. Being a warrior, the king believed that such a land would be the best settlement for his people because they would be able to farm, fish, and hunt abundantly while at the same time, the mountains would provide a natural barrier against potential invaders. So, Nfo Munwi-Tingoreu decided to lead his people to this “promise” land. It was during the ultimate journey from Widikum that the king made the famous exclamation, Ohr Ma Nko, that led to the name the Mankon people bear today.

When they got to the Bamenda lowlands, they acknowledged that it was indeed a beautiful place. The first palace was constructed at Alahnki (land of water) and many of the families built their homes close to the palace at Fumnju (old compound). From Alahnki and Fumnju, the rest of the people spanned out across most of the valley, with renown warriors strategically located along the borders with Bafut, Nkwen, Mendankwe, and Bali. Many people today will be surprised to know that Mankon land stretched to present-day Ndamukong Street, Bayele, CBC headquarters in Nkwen, Up Station, and New Layout.

While at Alahnki, the Mankon palace was constantly being harassed by the neighboring Bali and Metta people. In addition, the palace was too far from the colonial administrative quarter at Up Station. So, it was moved from Alahnki and relocated somewhere else. But where was the new palace built? Why was it built there? Is it still there today? The answers to these questions and more will constitute the second part of this story. We Are Mankon!!!

Tangyie Elijah Tse Munyong-Abieri

I hope you enjoyed your reading. Make sure you search for more stories in our Legends of Our Common Heritage (LOCH) series. If you need more insights on any of our stories, please contact me via text or phone call : 9524540221.