OMHEDI - The Oukwanyama queen Martha Mwadinomho yaKristian Nelumbu is appealing to the public to assist in tracing the head of the legendary late king Mandume ya Ndemufayo.

Ya Ndemufayo died in combat at the age of 23 on 6 February 1917 at Oihole in Angola and was decapitated by the European army commanders. It is alleged that the army transported his head to Windhoek, leaving his body behind.

Consequently, he was buried without his head.

Ya Ndemufayo was born in 1894 and at a tender age of 17 years became the last king of Ovakwanyama before the kingdom was totally dismantled in 1917.

In 1996, exactly 79 years after his death, Kornelius Mwetupunga Shelungu was appointed as the Oukwanyama leader. 

Shelungu died on 3 November 2005.

On 12 November 2005, Nelumbu succeeded Shelungu as the first Oukwanyama queen.

On Saturday, during the 107th commemoration and remembrance of ya Ndemufayo at Omhedi palace, a tearful Nelumbu said her people see ya Ndemufayo as a great historical hero of resistance.

She described him as a true fighter who also contributed to Namibia’s independence. 

She stressed that it is worth commemorating his bravery and legacy as he died fighting to protect the integrity of Namibians against foreign occupation.

She further said ya Ndemufayo was a peaceful man who always advocated for peace for the Oukwanyama kingdom.

Nelumbu, therefore, called on the people of kingdom to unite and have peace with others.

She revealed that the late king left them with a powerful statement, saying “Let’s join our hearts together and unite.”

“This event is historical to all Ovakwanyama and it will be held yearly for the benefit of future generations,” she said.

The celebration of ya Ndemufayo’s life was attended by various traditional leaders, royal family, and residents.

The commemoration included the laying of wreaths at the graves of the late kings and other royal family members.

-fhamalwa@nepc.com.na