Wukari stands still as Aku- Uka lays to rest with Ancestors
By Jethro Yerga
Wukari, the Head Quarters of Kwararafa Kingdom was on the 14th day of January 2022 brought to a standstill as the Supreme Leader of the Kwararafa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi Kuvyon II CON, was finally transited to the world beyond to join his ancestors.
A ceremony of that kind, The Communicator learnt, was conducted in the ancient city over 50 years back. As such, the entire process was more or less a new development especially for the young ones.
No wonder, activities in the ancient city were completely paralyzed. Shops, private and public schools and other business places were closed. There was also no vehicular movement, all to honour the transition ceremony “Pankya” of the Aku-Uka who joined his ancestors on the 8th day of October, 2021.
The transition process, our reporter gathered, commenced at the Aku-Uka’s Palace where all the male children of the Late Monarch came out in their numbers alongside other people and matched bare footed with the late Aku’s belongings to Puje, where other mourners converged to paid the last respect to the monarch before they matched further to Nando, his final place of abode.
Interacting with newsmen shortly after the official ceremony, the Senator representing Southern Taraba, Distinguish Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, described the late Aku Uka as a great leader with exceptional virtues that would remain indelible in the history of the Kwararafa Kingdom.
The Senator who said the Jukun people and indeed the entire Kwararafa Kingdom had missed a great leader of repute, prayed God to grant Aku Uka eternal rest.
“The Late Aku Uka, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi, Kuvyon II, was a peace loving person who had work tirelessly to unite the people of the kingdom. He was a leader with exceptional qualities. The people of Kwararafa Kingdom and indeed the entire country will miss this great man”. He stated.
Also, the Member, representing Wukari and Ibi at the Federal House of Representative, Hon. Danjuma Shidi (Danji SS), described the late Monarch as a pillar that holds the Kwararafa people together. He said the relentless efforts of the late Monarch had made the people of Kwararafa to reunite with their brothers from the Kingdom who are spread all over in 27 states of Nigeria.
Hon. Shidi further enjoined the next Aku Uka who may emerge any moment from now, to emulate his predecessor who against all odds ensured that peace reigned supreme in the kingdom.
The Late Aku- Uka had married 13 women during his life time, out of which two are deceased leaving only 11 alive. His marriages were blessed with 68 children. 61 of them are still alive and are engaged in lawful pursuits in different parts of the world as good ambassadors of the Jukun race.
Meanwhile, the transition ceremony “Pankya” of this great Monarch was graced by many traditional rulers including the Gwom Jos, HRM Da Jacob Buba, Long Goemai of Shandam, HRM Miskom Marrin Mudi’utrie Sheldas of Shandam, the Gara of Donga, HRH Savala Varzoa Shimbura, representatives of the Ata Igala, Ochi Idoma, Fagachin Keffi, Chief Mark Elayo Tutaki of Kiana among others. Also present were some prominent politicians in the state including Hon. Istifanus Gbana who represented the Executive Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, the Senator Representing Southern Taraba, Distinguish Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and other members of the National Assembly, tourists, citizens and residents of Taraba State from diverse works of life attended the transition ceremony Ancestors
