INTRODUCTION

M’muock (Fosimondi) dynasty popularly known as the FOZAO DYNASTY is one of the oldest dynasties in the Lebialem Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. Its origin can be traced back  to the 16th  century following the collapsed of  M’muock under Forzenkeang at Feumme-M’muock and the migration of the M’muock people (M’muock (Fosimondi), M’muockbie, M’muock Leleng and M’muock Leteh) to the present M’muock land.

Historically, Forzenkeang had settled in the north of Dschang after Bafou in the  the 16^th century and founded M’muock. The area is on the Northwest of Bafou, just after the famous stream called Nchi Tiayim, below the famous hill called Leko-o Feumme-M’muock but today occupy by both Bafou and Fongo-Tongo and known as Feumme-M’muock. He settled there with his people and was very powerful. During their settlement in this area, they were often harassed by their neighbors especially the Bafou in what was known as Nzong Tuh (night raids) that was later replaced by Fou’ka’a (secret army). Despite these night and secret frequent attacks for subjugation, they fought back successfully and heroically. This earned them the name “M’muock” from their attackers meaning “Fire or powerful people” signifying their ability to resist stiffly and they became known as such till date. Opinions differ as to why M’muock people emigrated from Feumme–M’muock but the most accepted story among the M’muock people holds that Forzenkeang their leader at that epoch became a “tyrant” after his authority became incontestable both internally and by foreigners. His tyrannical behavior let him to commit murder, which was a taboo. The story goes thus, Forzenkeang hated people with epilepsy. One fateful day when his subjects had gone to the farms, one of his wives had an epileptic attack. He killed and buried her and then reported the matter to his subjects when they returned. This enraged the subjects who could not more bear such tyrannical behavior and a squabble broke out between him and them. As punishment for killing a human being, the notables (Bekem) and other subjects arrested and tied him on a tree at the entrance of his palace (Azea-Meh). Nkemazao (Azaolefack), Nkemazeh (Azembie), Nkemassong (Mekantap) and Nkemtang (Tangmo), together with a significant faction of Forzenkeang’s subjects then decided to abandon him believing the land  has been cursed. They then migrated to the present M’muock land. The remaining family of Forzenkeang scattered after Nkemezao, Nkemeze, Nkemassong and Nkemtang left. Part went to Bafou and the other to Bangang while another followed to Leteh where some of his descendants took up his title, this time as Sub Chief (Befountia-h). This marked the end of Forzenkeang leadership as the paramount ruler of the M’muock people as well as the fall of M’muock at Feumme-M’muock.