Taraba State, Friday, 28th January, 2022 was a historic day in the lives of Jukuns especially those that have never witnessed the (PANKAN), that is, the selection and crowning of a new Paramount Ruler of the Kwararrafa Kingdom, the Aku Uka which was done last in 1976.
The event, had not been witnessed for 45 years untill Friday after the immediate past Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi Kuvyu II joined his Ancestors on the 8th October, 2021.
Dr. Shakarau who was the 24th Aku Uka, ascended to the throne in 1976 in succession to the 23th Aku Uka, Mal. Ada Ali who is the father of the new coronated 28th Aku Uka, HRH. Ishaku Manu Ada Ali whose dream became fulfilled as Prince.
Recalled that at the time when Dr. Shakarau Angyu Masa-Ibi Kuvyu II, ascended the throne, Wukari was in the defunct Gongola State and with the creation Taraba State in 1991 by the former military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Aku became the highest ranking traditional ruler.
However, the Kunvyi of Wukari, Manu Irimiya installed Manu Ishaku Ada Ali as the 25th Aku-Uka of the Kwararrafa Kingdom, following his selection by the four Kingmakers guided by the Supreme Oracle.
The ceremony that look place at “Puje” a reserved area where all traditional and spiritual activities of the Jukunoid take place, was well attended by sons and daughters of Yukon land, as well as well-wishers.
Our Correspondent who was among many that we’re privileged to witness the occasion for the first time reports that “Pankan” is the selection, Crowning, and Oath-taking of the new Aku-Uka.
It could also be recalled that the Wukari Traditional Council had on Friday 14th, January 2022 held ‘Pankya’
Upon that, hence the selection and Crowning of his successor in the person of Manu Ishaku Ada Ali within fourteen days (2 weeks) exactly.
Our Correspondent also reports that the two days program commenced with the arrival of Princes who were all in ‘White Attire’ tied to their waists, Waziris as well as well-wishers and at Pankya’, only were present.
However, the new Aku-Uka took Oath of allegiance at Kuntsa
The Aku arrived at Puja on a White Horse with a procession of “Akye” led by Princes and some tittle holders known as the red necks at 4.30 pm.
The current Aku Uka addressed his subjects by saying, “I appreciate you all my subjects for your resilience and show of love, I solicit your support and cooperation to enable me to succeed on this Throne.
“let me also use this opportunity to call on my fellow contestants who contested this position with me to please join hands in moving this Kingdom to the greater heights because all of us cannot ascend this Throne at the same time”. Said Aku.
Ishaku Manu Ada Ali thanked Governor Darius Ishaku for going by the lay down traditional rules to see that the event was successful.
Sani Suleiman
