NSO PALACE

The ”Nso Palace” is where His Royal Highness Sehm Mbinglo I resides with his family. The palace is known as a home for all and it is where most events in Kumbo take place. The people of Nso are from the North West Province of Cameroon, about three hours driving from Bamenda Town.At the entrance of the “Nso Palace” is a statue of one of the first royal people of Nso, who was a woman. There, you will find a door to a path that leads to the back of the palace.

Here there is a small court yard where events regarding the Fon (the traditional ruler) and his advisors and a few others are often held. There is also a throne in the middle of the court and other royal art that have some traditional meaning to the Fon and the people of Nso. The Fon sits on a wooden caved chair and a lion skin is placed on the chair, draping to the floor, where he will place his feet. This symbolizes power and authority of the Fon in the Nso land. Advisors to the Fon will sit on one side, everyone else on the other side.

Events that take place at the “Nso Palace” include the people of the village making requests of the Fon, who will make every effort to grant their request. When in the presence of the Fon, you are expected to clap your hands slowly and lightly to acknowledge his presence. When you do this, you have to wait until the permission to speak is granted.  When talking to the Fon, citizens are expected to bow their head and cover their mouth with their hands. Citizens are expected also not to look at the Fon’s eyes directly. It is inappropriate to shake hands with the Fon or to sit down unless they are told to do so. When sitting in the presence of a Fon, one should never cross their legs. The “Nso Palace” is rich with culture, and is undoubtedly a memorable destination for anyone who plans to visit Cameroon.          If  you make it one of your destinations, you will never regret it.