Community

The Bambui society is divided into five distinct groups. They are: the Kwifor, the Fon, Fon’s advisers called Tabefor, Ndifor, Mofor and common men and women. Some men are classified as nobles because of some roles which they play in the society. E.g. some offer sacrifices to the gods and deceased Fons as well performing traditional rites during solemn occasions. They act as local priests. Kwifor is the keeper of tradition. All traditional matters are referred to the  Kwifor. Even the Fon is under the discipline of the Kwifor. Sons/ Princes of the Palace are not members of the Kwifor society

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           The Fon and Nobles of Bambui during 'Mandele' - the Bambui Annual Dance.

The Fon is the secular and spiritual leader of the people. He is the father of everybody in the village. As the father of all, he enthrones family heads, performs rituals on family young men and settles family disputes. Before western culture, kwifor and Fon had the power of life and death over the citizens. People who committed serious crimes like manslaughter, undermining the authority of kwifor, attempted murder, meddling with the Fon wives and witchcraft were punished by tabooing, extradition or ostracism. People who died of bad diseases such as dropsy were thrown in a special valley called “mbo-o tikopetu” at mile 12 Bambui Fundong Road.

             Bambui Elites who accopanied the Fon to a visit at Chief Endeley