08/10/2025
BABUNGO KINGDOM
Origin: The Babungo people are believed to have migrated from the Tikar of Cameroon's Adamaoua Region, eventually settling in their current location in the fertile Ndop plain.
Population: They number approximately 14,000 to 27,000 people, concentrated in and around the village of Babungo.
Political structure: The Babungo are led by a traditional ruler known as the "Fon". The Fon's power is balanced by the Ngumba, a council of elders that acts as the "kingmaker". Other customary societies also play important roles in local governance.
Economy: The community has historically been known for its iron production and trade, which contributed to its wealth and influence during the 19th century. The economy today is largely based on subsistence farming, with the Ndop plain's fertile land providing a source of crops and grazing for cattle.
Language
Name: The language is officially known as Vengo (or Vengoo), but is widely referred to as Babungo. In their native language, they call their village vəŋóo and their language gháŋ və̀ŋóo.
Classification: Babungo is a Grassfields Bantu language, a branch of the Benue-Congo language family.
Characteristics: The language is tonal, meaning pitch changes the meaning of words. It possesses a complex tone system with multiple pitch types.
Literature: Resources like the Babungo–English Dictionary and a mobile app, the Babungo Transition Primer, are available to promote literacy.
Village and museum
Location: The village of Babungo is situated on the Ring Road in the Ndop plain, part of the Ngoketunjia Division of Cameroon's Northwest Region.
Museum: The
Babungo Museum
, located in the village, is a renowned cultural institution showcasing centuries of royal and artistic heritage. Its collection includes important West African sculptures.
Culture: The village is celebrated for its traditions and cultural artefacts, which make it a destination for tourists. The arts and culture are a source of local pride and identity, contributing to job creation and development.
Source; AI
