Chitimukulu, Litunga & Gawa Undi Oppose Chief Mukuni For Paramount Chief Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba writes : How can Mukuni, who merely married the Queen of the throne become Paramount Chief? At best, Mukuni should be called “Prince Consort” not even Chief!..infact, the leader of the Lenje people Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe, where the current Mukuni […]

Chitimukulu, Litunga & Gawa Undi Oppose Chief Mukuni For Paramount Chief

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba writes :

How can Mukuni, who merely married the Queen of the throne become Paramount Chief?

At best, Mukuni should be called “Prince Consort” not even Chief!
..infact, the leader of the Lenje people Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe, where the current Mukuni from Livingstone traces his route, who serves as the paramount traditional ruler of the Lenje people (collectively known as the Bene Mukuni) is probably qualified to be Paramount Chief.

After the marriage, the Toka-Leya people of were governed by a remarkable and historically significant dual-ruling system where a King and a Queen rule together as equals. The hereditary title for the Queen (or Tribal Matriarch) is Bedyango (also spelled Be Dyango or Bediango), who co-rules alongside the King, known as the Munokalya Mukuni. Together, they serve as the traditional custodians of Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”).

THE TRADITIONAL HIERARCHY: Chitimukulu, Litunga & Gawa Undi Oppose Chief Mukuni For Paramount Chief

THREE PARAMOUNT CHIEFS SEEK TO JOIN COURT BATTLE OVER CHIEF MUKUNI’S PARAMOUNTCY BID

Three of Zambia’s most senior traditional leaders have applied to join the Constitutional Court proceedings challenging the proposed recognition of Chief Mukuni as a paramount chief, arguing that the case could reshape the country’s traditional leadership structures.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, the Litunga and Kalonga Gawa Undi have filed applications to be added as the second, third and fourth respondents in a petition brought by Bene Mukuni Dynasty Committee Director General Jonas Shakafuswa against Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha.

The petition seeks a declaration that Chief Munokalya Mupotola IV Siloka III Mukuni XIX should be reclassified as a paramount chief, contending that the Bene Mukuni Royal Establishment has historically exercised paramount and kingly authority in accordance with custom and tradition.

In their applications, the three traditional leaders argue that they have a direct and substantial interest in the matter, warning that any court decision creating or recognising a new paramount chief could have far-reaching consequences for Zambia’s traditional governance system.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, in his affidavit, cautions that granting Chief Mukuni paramount status could encourage other chiefs to challenge long-established traditional hierarchies, potentially destabilising chieftaincies across the country and posing risks to national unity and security.

He further notes that Chief Mukuni is one of more than 40 chiefs in Southern Province, adding that elevating his status could significantly alter the existing traditional leadership framework.

The Litunga and Kalonga Gawa Undi have also submitted that, as paramount chiefs and custodians of extensive traditional jurisdictions, they have a legitimate interest in the proceedings.

They argue that the outcome of the case could directly affect the authority of existing paramount chiefs and the structure of traditional governance.
The three leaders have therefore asked the Constitutional Court to grant them leave to participate in the proceedings.

The petition, filed on June 27, 2026, maintains that the current classification of Chief Mukuni as an ordinary chief does not reflect the historical and cultural status of the Bene Mukuni Royal Establishment. Mr. Shakafuswa has cited Articles 1, 165(1) and (2), 166, 167 and 266 of the Constitution in support of the application.