Justice Richard Wanki: As Yaounde Paid Last Respects

“Justice Wanki’s life was a testimony of courage and integrity, with righteousness and truth being the foundation of everything he did. His life has left an enduring imprint,” said Justice Theophilus Tayi Tatsi, Vice President of the South West Court of Appeal, Buea. He spoke in Etoug-Ebe Baptist Church, Yaounde on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at a funeral service for his senior colleague. A judge of the Supreme Court of Cameroon, Justice Richard Tsenikontsa Wanki. Who was also President of the Common Law Division, Judicial Bench of the Supreme Court, until his death. On January 2, 2025 in Yaounde at the age of 65. After a period of ill-health. Justice Wanki was Legal Adviser to the CBC for 23 years.

Mentor To Countless Numbers 
“Justice Richard Wanki was a mentor. I worked with him as Deputy State Counsel in Mbengwi in Momo Division of the North West Region just after graduating from the National School of Administration and Magistracy, ENAM in 1988. Justice Wanki was then the Senior State Counsel in Mbengwi. He did not have an assistant before I came. And so when I was posted to Mbengwi, Justice Wanki set about mentoring and teaching me. He encouraged me to go back to school. Today, I am hold a Doctorate Degree in Law. I am also the Editor-in-Chief of the South West Magistrates’ Club Journal, to which Justice Wanki was Contributing Editor. He analyzed so many cases and helped us along. He helped us morally and served by example,” said Justice Tatsi.

Due Last Respects 
After coffining at the Yaounde General Hospital mortuary in Ngoussou and judicial honours in the Supreme Court earlier on Thursday, January 30, 2025, a funeral service was held in Etoug-Ebe Baptist Church. On hand to bid him farewell were fellow Cameroon Baptist Convention, CBC Christians, pastors and officials, colleagues, friends and family members. 

His Mantra   
In his eulogy, Azhie-Nwi Godlove Wanki, the oldest child, said his father’s life was characterized by honesty, integrity and hard work. He recalled how on December 24, 2024, the father called them together and emphasized the strength in unity, respect for elders and seniority, and then pardoned all those who had offended him. “We were lucky to have Justice Wanki as father – same for his colleagues and the churches where he served,” Azhie-Nwi said. 

Doors To Underprivileged 
The widow, Mrs. Mambo Judith Wanki said they first met 44 years ago and had been married for 38 years. “He was a soft-spoken man who ate with his children from the same plate. He educated his relatives and opened his door to the underprivileged. He loved his job with passion. Justice Wanki wanted justice for all, loved the church and God more than I did,” she admitted. 

Failing Health 
Mrs. Wanki said her husband was first hospitalized in July 2019, and since October 2024, his health had been on the steady decline until his death on January 2, 2025.  She thanked all those who worked hard to save the life of her husband through medication and prayers.

It All Depends On You!
Rev. Dr. Donald Ndichafah, a former head of the Cameroon Baptist Convention (or General Secretary), preached from John 14:1 on the topic, “The degree to which your heart is troubled in any situation depends largely on you.” He said in John chapter 13, Jesus had announced to His disciples that one of them was going to betray him. And so the disciples were troubled about what was to happen.

Jesus’ Recommendation  
And so Jesus offers two solutions to allowing one’s heart to be troubled by any issue – believe in God, acknowledge Him as Creator of the universe who rules over everything. And believe in Jesus Christ and not toil with sin. “When you break away from other dependencies and turn to God, your heart will not be troubled,” Rev. Dr. Ndichafah counselled. 

Early Life, Education 
Born on January 31, 1959 in Mankon, Bamenda, late Justice Richard Tsenikontsa Wanki was the third of 11 children. He went to Musang CBC Primary School, Mankon, Bamenda where the father was Head Teacher. And later enr...