The Traditional burial rites of the Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr Shakarau Angyu Masa Ibi CON, who died on 10th October 2021 was performed on Saturday, January 15, 2022.

The remains of the Aku Uka was sealed in a funeral calico, his crown was placed on his head, then made to sit on horseback alongside a rider.

The corpse was mounted on a horse supported by the rider who rode straight to Nando to join his ancestors. The horse rider person may not return alive.

Dankaro Solomon captures the Jukun culture of the Aku Uka burial rites

ANKYA AND IT’S MANY MYSTERIES.

The events of yesterday have left people wondering ‘what actually took place?’. For an outsider, even some insiders, there are questions to be answered.

Firstly, PANKYA is the Jukun transition ceremony for the Aku to the great beyond. The Aku does not die. He is a ‘son’ of the gods, the guardian and protector of his people. His place is between the mortal and the immortal. The Aku is not venerated or honoured, no, he is WORSHIPPED by his subjects. He is a priest-king to whom libation is offered every morning. He is not associated with affairs of mortals like funeral and wedding. He is beyond emotions and weakness. Thus, he DOES NOT DIE. There will is no ‘funeral rite’ for him but the of journeying to NANDO and finally KINDO.

The PANKYA is a mystery. A mystery is what cannot be understood using human logic. Only those inserted into its cult (cult as in its true meaning and implications) and ‘educated’ in its practice can make sense of it.

So, the PANKYA is not just a ceremony or rite, it is a religious rite performed by cultic priests and worshippers. All others are just onlookers.

Because he does not die, there are no undertaker’s, coffin or grave, that will make him mortal. He rides majestically on his royal horse to meet his forebears. The young man with him serves as his sheath bearer. But also serve as the proverbial scapegoat, on behalf of the community.

ABAGA’IDU NASHA’IN has gone to KINDO, his mission accomplished here. Another will take his place. May his reign last long in peace.

So, in summary, the Jukun culture is deeply religious, steep in mysteries. Any religion without mysteries is a fable. Thus, the PANKYA MUST BE UNDERSTOOD within the context of religion, for so is the Jukun world view..

CHIDON KU YII WATASHUMA.