Akum: The stonning & Enthronement of the New Fon

In late 2024, the Akum people began the process of installing a new Fon (traditional ruler) — an event that had not taken place for approximately 66 years. This is far more than an administrative change; it is a deeply cultural, spiritual, and symbolic occasion that represents continuity, identity, and community cohesion.

1. Selection & Seclusion

• The Council of Elders (Kwifor) selects a worthy prince.
• The chosen prince enters a 7-day period of seclusion inside the Kwifor shrine.
• During this time he:
• Performs spiritual rituals and offerings
• Receives traditional instruction
• Prepares mentally and spiritually for leadership

2. The Public Ritual Attire

• The prince first wears the full traditional regalia of the Fon.
• For the key public ritual, he appears lightly dressed:
• Barefoot
• Bare-chested
• Wearing only a simple white cloth around his waist
• Community members also dress specially:
• Women wear black bras and traditional wrappers
• Some wear skirts made from banana stems or bamboo
• These special clothes mark the occasion as sacred and distinct from everyday life.

3. The Symbolic “Stoning” Ritual

• Community members gently throw small pebbles at the new Fon.
• This symbolic act represents:
• Communal acceptance and acknowledgment
• The transition from the old reign to the new
• After the stoning, the prince is no longer a private individual — he becomes the public and sacred ruler of Akum.

4. The Competition (Tantohs vs Kwifor)

• Immediately after the stoning, a playful but meaningful competition occurs between two groups:
• Tantohs and Kwifor
• Each group tries to “claim” the new Fon.
• The winning group earns the honor of escorting him to the palace.
• If neither wins clearly, alternative ritual steps are followed (e.g., returning him temporarily to the shrine).

5. Completion of the Ritual

• The Fon is washed to remove the ash used for body markings.
• He changes from the simple white ritual cloth into colorful, elaborate traditional attire.
• This marks the official end of the sacred transition phase.

6. Celebration & Festivities

• The day concludes with joyous celebrations:
• Traditional music and drumming
• Cultural dances
• Feasting and merriment
• The entire community comes together to mark the beginning of a new era under the new Fon.

This ritual beautifully blends spirituality, symbolism, playfulness, and communal unity — core values of Akum culture.