The creation of the Mbengwi-Teghenibi third-class fondom in Mbengwi Subdivision, Momo Division, North-West Region, has been cancelled by the Senior Divisional Officer for Momo.
A Prefectoral Order signed by the SDO, Fouda Etabe Benoit Nicaise, cancels the earlier order that created the third-class chiefdom, bringing an end, at least for now, to a controversy that has divided opinion among communities and traditional authorities in Mbengwi.
The cancellation order, seen by The Observer, is dated 10th June, 2026 and is titled “Prefectoral Order to Cancel Prefectoral Order No. 49/2025/PO/DO/SP of 23/12/2025 Bearing on the Creation after Homologation of its Existence, the 3rd Class Chiefdom of Mbengwi-Teghenibi Village, in Mbengwi Sub-Division, Momo Division, North-West Region.”
The SDO states that the decision was taken following instructions from the Minister of Territorial Administration contained in a June 2026 correspondence concerning the creation of the Mbengwi-Teghenibi third-class chiefdom.
The new order specifically declares that the previous Prefectoral Order No. 49/2025/PO/DO/SP of December 23, 2025, which established the chiefdom, is cancelled. It further states that all effects arising from the cancelled order are “null and void.”
The Divisional Officer for Mbengwi Subdivision and the Forces of Law and Order are instructed to ensure compliance with the new decision.
A controversy that began in May
The cancellation comes after months of controversy over the creation of Mbengwi-Teghenibi.
The original order was signed on December 23, 2025, but became widely known among the population in May 2026. Its publication triggered strong reactions from sections of the Mbengwi and Ku communities, who questioned the process through which the new traditional administrative structure had been created.
In May, hundreds of persons gathered at the palace of the Fon of Mbengwi to protest against the creation. They argued that the decision had been taken without adequate consultation with the Fon, traditional council and wider population.
Representatives of the community maintained that they were not opposed to development or the creation of new villages in principle, but objected to what they described as the lack of consultation and transparency.
The controversy also involved concerns over the amount of territory allocated to the proposed Mbengwi-Teghenibi chiefdom. Protesters claimed that the new arrangement would take a large portion of the historical Mbengwi territory and could affect ancestral lands, traditional sites and farmlands. These were among the issues raised in a memorandum submitted by concerned sons and daughters of Mbengwi.
The situation became tense when the people from Mbengwi and Ku marched towards the office of the SDO. Security officers prevented them from accessing the SDO's office because they did not have the required authorization for the demonstration.
Supporters had welcomed the creation
While opposition to the creation was vocal, the decision also enjoyed support from some people of the Mbengwi-Teghenibi area.
In a separate report published in May, The Observer reported that supporters described the new third-class fondom as a means of bringing administration and development closer to the people.
They argued that the new structure could improve access to government services, support agricultural activities, youth empowerment and education, while also giving the community a recognized traditional authority through which it could engage government agencies and development partners.
Supporters also described the Teghenibi families as among the founding families of the historic Mbengwi community and said the creation should be seen as an opportunity for better local administration rather than a source of division.
They appealed for dialogue between supporters and opponents of the new fondom.
Political and traditional tensions
The controversy also took on political dimensions, with some persons accusing political actors of influencing the protests. Such allegations were reported by *The Observer* and other media outlets at the time, although the claims were disputed and some allegations could not be independently verified.
Traditional authorities were also divided over the issue.
Opponents argued that creating a new fondom within the existing Mbengwi traditional structure could weaken the unity of the Meta people and create a precedent for similar demands by other families.
On the other hand, supporters maintained that recognition of Mbengwi-Teghenibi would strengthen local administration and development.
The debate therefore went beyond the question of creating a new traditional institution. It touched on questions of land, history, traditional authority, community identity and political influence in one of the important communities in Momo Division.
Cancellation ends immediate uncertainty
With the June 10 order, the administrative position is now clear: the 2025 order creating the Mbengwi-Teghenibi third-class chiefdom has been cancelled.
The latest order, however, does not provide details on whether another process of consultation or consideration of the matter could take place in the future.
For now, the decision effectively returns the situation to the position that existed before the December 2025 order.
The development is likely to be closely watched by both sides of the dispute, particularly in a region where traditional institutions continue to play an important role in community identity, conflict resolution and local development.
The cancellation also brings to a close a three-month public controversy that had seen the people, traditional rulers and community groups take opposing positions over the future administrative and traditional organization of Mbengwi.
As the administration implements the latest order, attention is expected to shift towards how the various communities will rebuild dialogue and preserve peace and unity following the dispute.
The Observer will continue to follow developments surrounding the Mbengwi-Teghenibi issue.
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