The Senior Divisional Officer for Momo, Fouda Etabe Benoit Nicaise, has cancelled the creation of the Mbengwi-Teghenibi third-class fondom. The cancellation ends months of disagreement over the controversial traditional administrative arrangement.
The decision is contained in a Prefectoral Order signed by the SDO on June 10, 2026. It cancels an earlier order issued on December 23, 2025, which had formally recognized and created the third-class chiefdom of Mbengwi-Teghenibi in Mbengwi Subdivision.
According to the latest order, the cancellation follows instructions from the Minister of Territorial Administration in correspondence concerning the creation of the chiefdom.
The December 2025 order, identified as Prefectoral Order No. 49/2025/PO/DO/SP, has now been declared cancelled, with all consequences arising from it rendered “null and void."
The Divisional Officer for Mbengwi and the forces of law and order have been directed to ensure the implementation of the decision.
The move comes after the creation of the chiefdom triggered strong reactions when news of the December order became widely known in May.
Dispute over consultation and territory
Opponents of the new Fon questioned the process used to establish it, insisting that the Fon of Mbengwi, the traditional council, and the wider community had not been sufficiently consulted. According to the supporters, the said land was Mbengwi land that was taken by the SDO and given to Mbengwi-Teghenibi.
The issue quickly became a source of tension. In May, hundreds of residents gathered at the palace of the Fon of Mbengwi to protest the decision.
They later attempted to march to the SDO’s office, but security forces stopped them, citing the lack of the necessary authorization for the demonstration.
For the protesters, the dispute was not simply about the creation of another traditional institution. They were particularly concerned about the territory assigned to the proposed fondom.
They argued that the arrangement could remove a substantial part of what they regard as historical Mbengwi territory, with possible implications for ancestral land, traditional sites, and farmlands.
A memorandum submitted by concerned sons and daughters of Mbengwi also raised questions about the process and circumstances surrounding the creation.
Teghenibi supporters defend recognition
But the decision had its defenders. Supporters of the Mbengwi-Teghenibi fondom argued that the new traditional structure would bring government administration and development closer to the population.
They pointed to potential benefits in areas such as agriculture, education, youth empowerment, and access to public services.
Supporters also maintained that Teghenibi families have historical roots in the Mbengwi community and that recognition of their traditional authority should not be interpreted as an attack on the existing Mbengwi leadership.
They instead called for dialogue, saying differences over the issue could be resolved without deepening divisions within the community.
A dispute rooted in identity and authority
As the disagreement grew, the debate acquired both political and traditional dimensions. Some opponents alleged that political interests were behind the protests, claims that were disputed and could not all be independently verified.
Traditional authorities and community members were also divided. Those against the creation feared that establishing a separate fondom within the existing Mbengwi traditional structure could weaken community cohesion and open the door to similar demands from other groups.
Supporters, however, saw formal recognition as a way of strengthening local leadership and improving the community’s ability to work with government institutions and development partners.
The disagreement therefore evolved into a wider contest over land, history, traditional authority, and community identity.
What happens next?
The June 10 cancellation has settled the immediate administrative question. The December 2025 order creating the Mbengwi-Teghenibi third-class fondom is no longer in force.
However, the latest decision does not say whether the matter could be revisited through a fresh process or further consultations.
For now, the status quo that existed before the December 2025 order has effectively been restored. The challenge ahead will be to prevent the dispute from leaving lasting divisions between the communities and traditional authorities involved.
With the administrative decision now clear, attention is likely to turn to dialogue, reconciliation, and the preservation of unity in Mbengwi, where traditional institutions remain an important part of community leadership and identity.
@Laarry Times
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