ISN’T it the famous English playwright William Shakespeare who wrote that ‘all is well that ends well’?
Finally, Henry Sosala has defied all odds by completing his tortuous odyssey of ascending to the throne after being derailed by several forces.
With the colourful coronation yesterday, the Bemba royalty has triumphed and proved to his lesser mortals and commoners that he is the rightful Mwine Lubemba (overseer of Bembas).
Understandably, Chitimukulu was reported in the Press as being in high spirits at his palace in Malole ahead of his installation, an event that attracted massive attention, including President Edgar Lungu himself and several sympathisers.
The new Chitimukulu, who replaces Mwine Lubemba Chilufya Chitapankwa who died on April 4, 2012, has gone in the annals of history as being well-versed in both traditional matters and modern political administration.
Despite having been appointed the new Chitimukulu in August 2013 by the Bashi Lubemba (guardians of the Bembas), it was only on January 27 this year that President Lungu officially recognised him as Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, ending a long battle to dethrone him.
Now the Mwine Lubemba’s installation that happened on the eve of the Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena traditional ceremony at Ng’wena Village today sealed it all.
The coronation, which was officiated by President Lungu and the Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena graced by Vice-President Inonge Wina today, has seen the two districts – Kasama and Mungwi –  run out of accommodation, forcing some visitors to go as far as Mbala for shelter.
Northern Province Permanent Secretary Hlobotha Nkunika, who confirmed the arrival of President Lungu for yesterday’s coronation and Ms Wina for today’s ceremony, said they were expecting a huge number of people to be in attendance for the event.
“We have ambassadors, chiefs from all corners of the country coming. This is good for tourism in Northern Province. We’ve a lot of tourist attractions like the Chishimba Falls and Kalambo Falls for them to sample,” he told a delegation from RTSA, which paid a courtesy call on him at his office.
Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena, which loosely translated means acknowledging the crocodile, has significance for the Bembas who honour the reptile.
After much wandering largely in Central Province, the Bembas sighted a carcass of a crocodile which psychics interpreted as a good omen since Bemba royalty is derived from the Ng’ona family – the crocodile clan.
The sighting of the crocodile marked the first permanent Bemba settlement in Zambia after their migration from Kola and the Luba-Lunda Kingdom in the DRC.
Cosmic crocodile stories are found in other cultures around the world since the creature has inhabited earth for millions of years.
The crocodile is believed to symbolise creation and destruction and is the keeper and protector of all knowledge.
In many a myth and legend, the crocodile is known as the keeper of ancient wisdom.
The country will certainly celebrate Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena with the Mwine Lubemba as the Imangu – royal drums – are played at the ceremony.