International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Review

This paper explores the historical sociology of inter-ethnic relations in the Bakossiland with focus on the village of Ngomboku. It traces the history of the Bakossi who issued from Asomengoe, the son of the eponymous Ngoe and the immigration of the strangers into the area. Investigation of primary and secondary sources revealed that clan consciousness was very rife among the various Bakossi clans resulting in ethnicity. It complicated the smooth operation of the Indirect Rule in the Bakossiland. In spite of the clan consciousness, the relations among the various clans remained cordial as long as land was available. Its abundance and fertility attracted strangers from other parts of the Southern Cameroons and French Cameroons who settled peacefully among the indigenes. As land became scarcer conflicts over land ensued. It provided that education on the customary land tenure in Bakossi will lead to the restoration of cordial inter-ethnic relations.