Brief Profile

According to oral tradition passed down by our forefathers, Buabua derived its name from the river Juo ngah waterfall known as Wafisi. In the 16th century, groups of migrants from Kom settled along the valley known as “Ndawum.” The constant sound of the waterfall led to the place being referred to as Buabua. They were governed under Ndawum, now known as Buabua, with rulers like Nyamchu, Nkangha-tun, Jetang I, Fang, Gheli Bola, Fang Johnson II, and the last Fon, Jetang. Following Jetang’s death, subsequent leaders were only titled Quarter Heads.

In Buabua today, the area specifically refers to the region from Limini stream to Street 4, extending to the boundaries of Bafmen and Kom. The area known as Fin, now Chongkang, migrated from Menchum Division under a leader called Fon Klifon, succeeded by Fon Fuchair. Thomas Shi succeeded Fuchair but died in the Lake Nyos gas disaster, with Njong Joseph now serving as the Quarter Head of Chongkang. Su-Bum, an urban area around the junction, was governed by Nji Kimbi from Laka-Bum. The name “Su-Bum” originated from the practice of native doctors treating patients and washing women, with some becoming pregnant, the Fon of Bum gave the name Su-bum, meaning, Clean or wash Bum from bad deeds. The name was bestowed by the Fon of Bum, and after Nji Kimbi, leaders like Sola and Ghang followed. Presently, Pa Chang Simon leads Su-Bum.

In the 1970s, Fulani settlers, known as Akos, migrated from Nigeria, with Wakili succeeding Abdou and Jerieh. The disaster of 1986 led to temporary relocation to Kimbi (victims’ camp), but due to the fertile land and rich history, the community returned. Quarter heads like Peter Balo-Ngong, Joseph Banawi, and Simon Chang oversee Buabua under the authority of the Kwifon of Laka Bum, including Chongkang under Ngong Joseph, Su-Bum under Chang Simon, Bua-bua under Fang Johnson, Fulanis under Wakili Haruna, and Hauso under Isa Biliamand. All are under the paramount Fon of Bum, HRH Peter Kwanga Yai, represented by Nji Boniface Jingna of Chongkang-Buabua and Shey Chongwain Joseph Ngong

Source| Fonfuka CDP, 2011.