Samuel Moka Lifafa Endeley (Chief Justice Endeley)

Chief Justice Endeley, a short-lived Pharmacist, retired judge, and an emblematic figure of Cameroon who reigned as Paramount chief of the Bakweri people up until 2015. He believed he was not an anglophone, but a Cameroonian, though this caused many tongues to wiggle his name in the most uncomfortable ways. His reign as paramount chief was a categorised with a strong educational, family and work/achievement included lifestyle, living like an exemplary bakwerian until his resting days.

His Majesty Chief Nakuve Samuel Moka Lifafa Endeley was born in Buea, Cameroon, on the 9^th of June,^[1] 1923 to parents Mathias Lifafa Endeley and Maria Mojoku endeley.^[2]

After studying law and becoming one of the first Cameroonians to qualify as a lawyer, Chief Endeley became a prominent figure in the legal field as he pursued his education with dedication. His Legal expertise and commitment to justice earned him the “Chief Justice” title, one highly reverenced in his community.^[3]

Chief Endeley was part of the prominent Endeley family in Buea, which played a significant role in the community through their leadership and services offered.^[4] Married to Gladys Silo Endeley(died 2010), he had 5 sons and a daughter. [1]

During his tenure as Paramount Ruler of the Bakweri people, Chief Samuel Moka Lifafa Endeley was dedicated to promoting education, development, and unity among his people. He was deeply involved in initiatives to preserve and promote Bakweri culture and traditions. Beyond his traditional roles, he contributed significantly to the legal and political landscape of Cameroon.^[3]

Passing away on the 7th of July, 2015 at the age of 92, Chief Endeley's death marked the end of an era for the Bakweri people, but his legacy continues to be honored and remembered as he was giving a prestigious Grand Cordon of the Cameroon order of merit by vice-prime minister, minister delegate in charge of relations with the national Assembly Amadou Ali siting in for president Paul Biya.

     It should be noted that this medal, which is one of the highest in the country reserved for achievers of exceptional class, was awarded to the fallen legal luminary and traditional ruler in recognition of what was variously described as his enormous contributions towards the promotion of   unity, development and justice in Cameroon.

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