Icon under siege? The dual theories behind toppling of Samuel Eto'o's statue in Cameroon

FOOTBALL Icon under siege? The dual theories behind toppling of Samuel Eto'o's statue in Cameroon

Festus Chuma 15:28 - 06.03.2024

Samuel Eto'o's statue in Yaounde 6, Cameroon, unexpectedly fell, sparking speculation before the local authorities provided clarifications on the incident's cause.

Samuel Eto'o, the celebrated president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has found himself at the center of a perplexing incident involving a monument dedicated to him in Yaounde 6, Cameroon.

The monument, which was unveiled in December 2020 as a tribute to Eto'o's illustrious football career and his contributions to Cameroonian football, was reported to have been vandalised on the night of March 4.

Initial reports suggested an act of vandalism had led to the fallen monument of the former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker, one of football's most esteemed figures and a symbol of pride for Cameroon's football history.

The monument, unveiled in December 2020 by Yoki Onana, a FECAFOOT delegate to the general assembly from the Centre Region, was initially believed to have been targeted by vandals. 

Sources close to the matter reported that the statue was pulled down during the night, leading to widespread speculation and concern over a deliberate act of disrespect towards Eto’o, a player who has contributed immensely to Cameroon's football legacy.

However, the Yaounde 6 council has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident, challenging the narrative of vandalism that had quickly spread. 

According to the council's communique, the statue did not fall victim to vandalism but rather to an 'accidental collapse' on Saturday, March 2, following a storm. 

"The damage was in no way a result of acts of vandalism," the council's communication unit affirmed as per Cameroon News Agency.

The Mayor of Yaounde 6, Jacques Yoki Onana, has already taken steps to address the situation, ordering "competent services to ensure its rehabilitation as soon as possible."

Despite the initial outrage and speculation, state security services, which had been briefed on the case to track down potential perpetrators, will likely redirect their efforts in light of the new information provided by the council.

Samuel Eto'o, renowned for his time with Barcelona, Inter Milan, and the Cameroon national team, remains an iconic figure in the world of football.

With a career that boasts 118 caps and 56 goals for Cameroon, his legacy extends far beyond the pitch. 

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