Reigning Fumu cannot be unseated while alive – Dikuua

MUKWE, 11 DEC – A reigning Fumu (King) cannot be unseated while still alive, Alfons Dikuua, a member of the Hambukushu Traditional Authority royal family said on Saturday.

Dikuua said this whilst explaining the traditional authority’s customary succession process to members of the media on the sidelines of a public mass meeting held at the sport’s field at Mukwe in the Kavango East Region.

Dikuua gave these explanations after a committee was formed last year with an aim to remove Fumu Erwin Munika Mbambo from the helm of the Hambukushu Traditional Authority, demanding that he steps down as he is allegedly blocking development and lacks the requisite leadership qualities to fulfill the Hambukushu customs and values.

“If the reigning Fumu passes on, he leaves a message which is vested with the elders within the royal family. The elders will then discuss the matter with the senior councilors, who announce the name of the incoming Fumu,” Dikuua explained.

Dikuua further explained that in the event that the reigning Fumu commits a serious crime that warrants him not to execute his duties as a Fumu and is found guilty by a court of law, the royal family has to once again nominate someone that will replace him.

Contrary to Dikuua’s assertions, the chairperson of the committee, Cassius Mukena, told Nampa on Sunday that currently there is no Fumu for the Hambuskushu community following the results of the referendum.

“We went ahead to sensitise the community that on a certain date a referendum will be held. We held the referendum and 222 people were in favor of Mbambo and 2 700 against. The results thereof were sent to the ministry as well,” he said.

Mukena said Mbambo came on to the throne through a referendum and can thus be removed through one as well.

“The people have spoken thus we do not have a Fumu right now,” he added.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Peya Mushelanga told Nampa on Sunday that his ministry advised the committee to follow customary practices they follow whenever a Fumu is removed.

“I have received communication on the results of the referendum and we are now looking at that to see if they are recognised with the customs before we approach the Attorney General,” he said. – NAMPA