Introduction
The Nso people, an ethnic group in Cameroon’s Northwest Region, have issued a formal statement condemning same-sex marriage as a “cultural abomination” and calling on the government to criminalize such unions. This declaration follows the high-profile marriage of Cameroonian LGBTQ+ activist Bandy Kiki (born Emily Kinaka Banadzem) to her Nigerian partner, Jenny, in the UK. The union, celebrated as a milestone for LGBTQ+ rights, has ignited fierce backlash in Kiki’s native Nso community, where traditional leaders accuse her of desecrating cultural norms and demand legal intervention .
The Nso People’s Statement: Key Points Nso Traditional Leaders Condemn Same-Sex Marriage as Taboo
- Cultural Taboo and Sacrilege
Nso leaders argue that same-sex relationships violate ancestral customs and religious principles. In a viral Facebook post, the Big Benji Tech Community—a group representing Nso traditionalists—accused Kiki of “committing sacrilege” by wearing the Nso traditional regalia during her wedding. The attire, reserved for cultural notables (referred to as Shey), is considered sacred.- Quote: “Bandy Kiki has banned herself from Nso land. This dress is for notables, not for those who defy our values.”
- Call for Legal Action
The Nso Traditional Council has petitioned Cameroon’s government to enforce stricter laws against same-sex unions, citing “moral decay” and foreign influence. Cameroon already criminalizes same-sex relations under Section 347-1 of its Penal Code, with penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment. However, the Nso demand explicit bans on LGBTQ+ advocacy and marriage . - Rejection of “Shey Lesbian” Title
Kiki’s adoption of the moniker “Shey Lesbian”—combining the Nso honorific Shey with her sexual identity—has drawn ire. Traditionalists argue the title is reserved for individuals contributing to communal welfare, not “immoral acts.”
Bandy Kiki’s Marriage: A Catalyst for Controversy
The Wedding and Its Symbolism
Kiki, a UK-based activist and founder of Kinnaka’s Blog, married Jenny, an Ijaw woman from Nigeria, on March 25, 2025. The ceremony, officiated by openly gay Anglican priest Rev. Jide Macaulay, was framed as a celebration of love and resistance. Kiki’s social media post—”Yesterday, I became Ijaw by marriage 🏳️🌈”—highlighted her embrace of her partner’s Nigerian heritage while asserting her LGBTQ+ identity .
Nso Community’s Reaction
- Cultural Betrayal: Elders accuse Kiki of “exporting foreign immorality” and eroding Nso traditions.
- Online Harassment: Kiki faced threats, including calls for her exile from Nso land and derogatory remarks about her sexuality.
Legal and Societal Context in Cameroon
- Cameroon’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws
- Penal Code Section 347-1: Criminalizes “sexual relations with a person of the same sex,” punishable by 6 months to 5 years’ imprisonment 1.
- No Marriage Recognition: Same-sex marriages conducted abroad are void under Cameroonian law .
- Regional Comparisons
Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (2014) imposes harsher penalties, including 14-year sentences for same-sex unions. However, Cameroon’s enforcement is sporadic, relying more on social stigma than legal prosecution 1311.
Bandy Kiki’s Defense and Activism
- Response to Backlash
Kiki dismissed critics as “hypocrites” and reaffirmed her commitment to LGBTQ+ rights:- “My marriage is not just about love—it’s about existing unapologetically in a world that denies us humanity.”
- Broader Advocacy
- Platform for Dialogue: Kiki uses her blog and social media to challenge homophobia, sharing stories of LGBTQ+ Cameroonians.
- Mentorship: She collaborates with global activists like Rev. Jide Macaulay to support queer youth .
Implications for LGBTQ+ Rights in Africa
- Cultural vs. Human Rights Clash
The Nso outcry reflects a broader tension in Africa, where 32 countries criminalize same-sex relations. Traditional values often clash with international human rights frameworks, such as the African Charter . - Rising Visibility
Despite risks, figures like Kiki and Brenda Biya (Cameroon’s first daughter, who came out as lesbian) are increasing LGBTQ+ visibility, sparking debates on identity and legality .
Conclusion: A Battle for Identity and Acceptance
The Nso people’s condemnation of Bandy Kiki’s marriage underscores the deep-seated resistance to LGBTQ+ rights in conservative societies. While Kiki’s union symbolizes progress for some, it highlights the urgent need for legal reforms and cultural dialogue. As Cameroon grapples with these divides, the world watches to see if love or tradition will prevail.
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