Brief Historical Profile

Ngunabum is the seat of the Jull Fondom. The early settlers of Ngunabum village originated from Buabua, including individuals like Pa Mass Tibong, Pa Jobam, Pa Ngwokghatoh, and Pa Chiambang, dating back to the early 1940s. This 

The name “Ngunabum” signifies farmland for the Bum people. Due to the distance between Buabua and Ngunabum, other individuals joined the initial settlers, gradually increasing the population with people from various parts of Bum. Initially, they paid taxes and made contributions in Buabua under the leadership of Quarter Head Pa Ghili Fang. The Kwifon of Jull which was initially lodged in Buabua was brought to Ngunabum and part of the proceeds from Kwifon during funerals were sent to Buabua because of the relationship they had with the people. In 1984, due to population growth, the people of Ngunabum decided to become independent and Pa Mass Tibong was made their Quarter Head. He served in this capacity for over 40 years before passing. Before his demise, he had in collaboration with other notables participated in the enthronement of the Fon Jull in 1997 under the instructions of the Fon of Bum, Fon John Yai Kwanga of blessed memory. The reinstatement of the Jull Chieftaincy was motivated by the fact that such an institution cannot be existing and performing in funerals with a fon which is the general overseer. 

Socio-economic life 

The primary occupation in Ngunabum is farming, including crops like plantains, coffee, corn, beans, cassava, potatoes, cocoyams, along with goat, pig, and cattle rearing. Ngunabum hosts a market established in the 1970s, still operational today. The village also boasts of Government Primary School created in the late 1990s, a school initiated by the community in 1990. Presently, the school has two constructed classrooms, three community-built classrooms, an office, with an enrollment of over three hundred children, supported by four trained teachers and two Parents Teacher Association (PTA). The village is traversed by River Jou Luka, named after Pa Luka, who settled nearby. Ngunabum hosts the oldest Kwifon (Jull) in Bum, which is held at high esteem in Bum and in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. The community equally has a quarter head by name Bebib Ful Peter, who is answerable to the Fon.

Marriage in Ngunabum transcends boundaries; when two individuals engage, the bride-to-be’s father seeks confirmation of her acceptance from her partner, symbolized by tobacco or wine exchange, indicating mutual acceptance.

The Fubwen, an exclusive women’s group, employs special dances and instruments. In times of trouble, they gather to alert the populace, with the Chong subsequently making decisions or imposing sanctions against individuals who fail to comply with community obligations.

The Fulani community, formerly under Ardo Hassan, now falls under Ardo Juli’s leadership, succeeding Ardo Bobo and Ardo Dakil. Presently, Ardo Juli, appointed after Ardo Dakil, oversees the Ngunabum Fulani people.