Aku Uka of Wukari: Custodian of the Jukun Kingdom

Historical Background

The Aku Uka of Wukari is the supreme monarch of the Jukun people, rulers of the ancient Kwararafa Confederacy and the Wukari Kingdom in present-day Taraba State, Nigeria.

• The Jukun trace their ancestry to the Kwararafa Kingdom, a powerful confederacy that dominated the Middle Belt between the 15th and 18th centuries.
• The Kwararafa were known for their influence over Hausa states like Kano and Katsina, the Jukun kingdom of Pindiga, and parts of present-day Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa.
• The title Aku Uka means “Supreme Ruler” in the Jukun language.
• The throne is considered one of the oldest surviving traditional monarchies in Nigeria.

Seat of Power

• The Aku Uka resides in Wukari, Taraba State, the spiritual and political heart of the Jukun people.
• The palace serves as the custodian of Kwararafa relics, rituals, and oral traditions.

Role and Authority

• Spiritual Father: Seen as the living representative of Jukun ancestors.
• Cultural Custodian: Preserves Jukun traditions, language, and festivals.
• Mediator: Resolves disputes and fosters peace among Jukun and neighboring peoples.
• National Statesman: Influential member of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

Cultural Influence

• The Aku Uka presides over major festivals, including the Puje Festival, which showcases Jukun spirituality, dance, and rituals.
• The throne is central to Jukun identity and the preservation of Kwararafa legacy.

Notable Akus Uka

Aku Uka Agbumanu (17th century)

• Credited with consolidating the power of the Kwararafa Confederacy.

Aku Uka Benjamin Shaka (1900s)

• Guided the Jukun during colonial restructuring.

Aku Uka Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi Kuvyon II (1976–2021)

• The longest-reigning modern Aku Uka, ruled for 45 years.
• Advocated for peace in Taraba State and promoted Jukun identity nationwide.

Current Aku Uka: Manu Ishaku Adda Ali (2021–present)

• Installed in October 2021 as the new Aku Uka of Wukari, following the death of Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi.
• Comes from one of the ruling houses of the Jukun dynasty.
• His reign marks the continuation of the over 500-year-old throne of the Jukun people.

His Reign and Leadership

• Custodian of Tradition: Upholds Jukun rituals and ensures continuity of Kwararafa heritage.
• Peace Advocate: Promotes unity in Taraba, a state with diverse ethnic and religious communities.
• Development Promoter: Supports education, cultural revival, and community development.

Legacy and Significance

• The Aku Uka throne links Nigeria’s modern state system to the medieval Kwararafa Confederacy, making it one of the most historically prestigious monarchies in West Africa.
• Represents the living memory of Jukun resilience and cultural pride.
• Under Manu Ishaku Adda Ali, the throne is positioned as both a guardian of tradition and an advocate for modernization.

Conclusion

The Aku Uka of Wukari is more than a monarch — he is the living custodian of the Jukun people’s Kwararafa legacy, a spiritual father, and a symbol of unity and resilience in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. From the glory days of Kwararafa to the modern reign of Manu Ishaku Adda Ali, the throne of Wukari continues to embody tradition, dignity, and cultural pride.