Is a traditional chiefdom located in the commune of Rey-Bouba, in the North Region of Cameroon, more precisely in the Mayo-Rey department. It is considered one of the oldest lamidats in Cameroon and is of major cultural and historical importance. The site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since April 18, 2006.
Location and Communication Routes
The Lamidat of Rey-Bouba is located in the north of the Foulbés region, with geographical coordinates: 8° 40′ 10.9″ N, 14° 10′ 43.37″ E. Access to the lamidat is via tracks that are often poorly maintained. From the city of Garoua, the most accessible road passes through the Lagdo dam, before arriving in the Rey-Bouba region.
The Lamidat of Rey-Bouba is located in the north of the Foulbés region, with geographical coordinates: 8° 40′ 10.9″ N, 14° 10′ 43.37″ E. Access to the lamidat is via tracks that are often poorly maintained. From the city of Garoua, the most accessible road passes through the Lagdo dam, before arriving in the Rey-Bouba region.
History
The Lamidat of Rey-Bouba was founded by Bouba Ndjidda (1798 – 1866), of Malian origin, who settled on the banks of the Mayo-Rey River with his Fulani warriors between 1805 and 1808. He is the first known sovereign of the lamidat and, according to tradition, possessed symbolic objects such as a white standard, a silver drum, a sword and a basket containing royal secrets. These attributes still play a role in the ceremonies and movements of the lamido today.
The Lamidat of Rey-Bouba was founded by Bouba Ndjidda (1798 – 1866), of Malian origin, who settled on the banks of the Mayo-Rey River with his Fulani warriors between 1805 and 1808. He is the first known sovereign of the lamidat and, according to tradition, possessed symbolic objects such as a white standard, a silver drum, a sword and a basket containing royal secrets. These attributes still play a role in the ceremonies and movements of the lamido today.
Structure and Architecture
The royal palace of Lamidat covers approximately five hectares and is surrounded by a surrounding wall approximately seven meters high. This 800-meter-long wall has six access gates. The palace is composed of several important districts and structures:
• The audience hall: Serves as a meeting place between the Lamido and his notables.
• The distribution room: Place of the sovereign’s daily activities.
• The first enclosure: Private reserve of the Lamido.
• The second enclosure: Accommodates close notables, the adult children of the Lamido and those responsible for defense.
The palace also houses large boukarous (traditional huts) made of earth and straw which serve as reserves and stores.
The royal palace of Lamidat covers approximately five hectares and is surrounded by a surrounding wall approximately seven meters high. This 800-meter-long wall has six access gates. The palace is composed of several important districts and structures:
• The audience hall: Serves as a meeting place between the Lamido and his notables.
• The distribution room: Place of the sovereign’s daily activities.
• The first enclosure: Private reserve of the Lamido.
• The second enclosure: Accommodates close notables, the adult children of the Lamido and those responsible for defense.
The palace also houses large boukarous (traditional huts) made of earth and straw which serve as reserves and stores.
Administration and Organization
The Lamidat is headed by the Lamido, who holds centralized power. He is both spiritual leader, land chief, and presides over the destiny of the kingdom. The Lamido also has authority over legal and economic affairs, including controlling tax collection. The administration of the lamidat is structured as follows:
The council of dignitaries (Faada), which serves as the government. It is headed by the Wadjiri (prime minister) and includes ministers responsible for various sectors such as agriculture (Bounou) and trade (Sarki Siniki).
Specific officials, such as the head of the stables (Samaki), the head of the guards (Sarki Dogari), and the imam (Saarkifaada), oversee other functions within the palace.
The Lamidat is headed by the Lamido, who holds centralized power. He is both spiritual leader, land chief, and presides over the destiny of the kingdom. The Lamido also has authority over legal and economic affairs, including controlling tax collection. The administration of the lamidat is structured as follows:
The council of dignitaries (Faada), which serves as the government. It is headed by the Wadjiri (prime minister) and includes ministers responsible for various sectors such as agriculture (Bounou) and trade (Sarki Siniki).
Specific officials, such as the head of the stables (Samaki), the head of the guards (Sarki Dogari), and the imam (Saarkifaada), oversee other functions within the palace.
Economic Zones
Lamidat is divided into different economic zones, each controlled by tax collectors called dougaris. The main zones include:
• Touboro, on the border of Lake Chad.
• Baïboum, on the border with the Central African Republic.
• Madigrim and Tchollire.
Lamidat is divided into different economic zones, each controlled by tax collectors called dougaris. The main zones include:
• Touboro, on the border of Lake Chad.
• Baïboum, on the border with the Central African Republic.
• Madigrim and Tchollire.
Culture and Heritage
The Lamidat of Rey-Bouba is not only a center of political authority but also a place of cultural wealth. Customary practices, such as the election of wives from different ethnic groups and grand royal ceremonies, continue to play an important role in the life of the kingdom. The palace, with its ancient structures and boukarous architecture, remains a living symbol of Cameroon’s traditional heritage.
The Lamidat of Rey-Bouba is not only a center of political authority but also a place of cultural wealth. Customary practices, such as the election of wives from different ethnic groups and grand royal ceremonies, continue to play an important role in the life of the kingdom. The palace, with its ancient structures and boukarous architecture, remains a living symbol of Cameroon’s traditional heritage.
