1 Tikar 4 All

The Nso dynasty is an offshoot of the Tikar dynasty.  The Tikar dynasty was founded around 1299 by Princess WouTen (a Princess of Nganha whose real name may have been Betaka) at Rifem or Kimi (Present day Bankim in Adamawa province).  When Tinki the Tikar Fon died in 1387 a bloody battle for his successtion ensued.  The rightful heir to the throne Nchare Yen was passed over for his half broher Mveing (1387-1413).

Because of Mveing's sanguinary attitude towds percieved rivals, NchareYen (1394-1418, founder of the Bamoun Dynasty in Foumban) and his brother from the same mother Mbe (Mfombam-founder of the Njitam Dynasty in Bafia, after whom Nchare Yen named Foumban) decided to leave with their followers.  When Nchare Yen and Mbe (Mfombam) decided to leave, their elder sister (from the same mother) Ngonnso wanted to leave with them but they refused because she was already married.  Nchare Yen and Mbe, left without Ngonnso.

When the brothers realizzed Ngonnso and her supporters were following them, they cut the bridge over the Mape Ravier (a tributary of the Mbam river) after crossing.  Ngonnso and her followers unable to cross the Mape, decided to move west along the banks of the Mape and founded the Nso dynasty.  The name Nso is believed to have been derived form her name "Ngon - Nso" (Nso Lady or Yennso - mother of the Nso people as she preferred to call herself).

It was agreed that when Ngonnso died she would be succeded by one of her two sons, who would then be recognized as the first King (Fon) of the Nso.  When Ngonnso died around 1421, she was succeeded by her son Leh who is considered the first King (Fon) of the Nso Dynasty.

Note:  There is a slightly different story told by the Tikar, who tell the tale saying that Ngonnso left with her brothers.  When they arrived at the river, one of the brothers realised that he left something behind.  He went back to retrive this item and Ngonnso waited for him.  

The others had crossed the river in a canoe, and when the brother did not return, Ngonnso concerned, went to fetch him.  While she was gone the brother returned and found her gone.  He was told that she went to find him and he waited for her.  When she did not return the brother assumed she had been caught and crossed the river without her.  He destroyed the canoe after the crossing.

When Ngonnso returned she found her brothers gone and the canoe damaged.  So she moved westwards and founded her own dynasty....hence the Nso dynasty.