The death of the paramount ruler of Ikulu Chiefdom, His Royal Highness Agwom Akulu, Mallam Yohanna Sidi Kukah, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, drew the curtain over the footprints of a royal father whose concern for his subjects was paramount and beyond measures.
In his earthly life, HRH Kukah was never weary of going the extra mile in search of unity and progress for his people, including collaborating with other monarchs in the southern part of Kaduna State for peace. He was a monarch who never put his hand to the plough and looked back. He was always engaged in working for the common good of the Bakulu people found in Kauru, Kajuru and Kachia LGAs, with their headquarters in Kamuru-Ikulu, Zangon Kataf local government area.
King’s Sunrise
The stars may not have shone the brightest when Mallam Kukah was born on July 20, 1953, at Anchuna Sarki, in the present Ikulu Chiefdom to Papa Kukah Gado and Amanta Kukah. He was enrolled at the LEA Primary School, Anchuna Sarki, from 1976 to 1981 to obtain basic education. Thereafter, he launched himself into the world of fashion design where he proved his mettle quickly and became famous for his excellent designs that attracted patronage from many quarters. Still thirsty to advance his education, he employed the service of a private tutor that eventually made him pass the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
As a founding member of the Ikulu Development Association, he served in different capacities between 1978 and 2001. Mallam Kukah was elected as the chairman of the Kaduna Chapter in 1999. After his appointment as the first District Head of Anchuna in 2001, he served in various positions, including being the representative of the Ikulu Traditional Council in security committee meetings of Zangon Kataf LGA.
He also represented his predecessor at several functions within and outside the chiefdom. As district head, the late monarch rallied his community to embrace and participate in community self-help projects.
He worked assiduously to mobilise his subjects to participate in national civic exercises like the 2006 Population Census, Voter’s Registration and the 2007 General Elections, among others. The late monarch was a mobiliser and motivator as his Anchuna Sarki district under his reign witnessed unprecedented physical development as shown in the construction of an official house for the district head, police outpost, living quarters for youth corps members, a community healthcare centre and a customary court.
Agwom Akulu’s Footprints
After his enthronement as the new Bakulu paramount ruler on August 27, 2010 , the Agwom Akulu initiated an appeal fund raising for the construction of the palace project that is about to be completed.
Under his watch, the Ikulu Chiefdom witnessed peace and progress. Including constant dialogue with the Fulani population in Ladduga. The 2nd Agwom Akulu showed exceptional leadership in collaborating with the Fulani leaders of Ladduga to check occasional kidnappings that made him once a victim.
In attestation to Mallam Kukah’s flair for community service, he was bestowed with various awards, including that of the National Solidarity Youth Forum, an (NGO) in 2014 for “Being a Caring and Committed Traditional Leader”. He was also given an award by Taskira Newspapers in 2015 for “Best Performed Royal Father Leadership Recognition”. The Arewa Media in 2019 bestowed on Mallam Kukah the “Top Best Run Progressive Traditional Council in Service to Humanity and Commitment to Duty in 2019”. The monarch also earned the “Royal Promoter of Peace” award given by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Katsit, in 2022, among other merit awards.
The late Agwom Akulu was widely travelled within the country, especially Kaduna State. In 2000, he was in Israel to perform the Christian Pilgrimage. Soft spoken, gentle, patient and accommodating at all times, the late paramount ruler is survived by his wife, Queen Esther Maryamu Kukah, and six children.
Final Respects
Being a brother to the cerebral Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah, and paramount ruler of Ikulu Kingdom, today’s burial ceremony is set to attract the presence of local, state and national heavyweights. Among the political big names expected to witness the Agwom Akulu’s burial is Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. Also expected are traditional rulers, clerics, LGA chairmen from the state, among others.
Ahead of the interment of the monarch at the Royal Cemetery, near the new Agwom Akulu Palace under construction, the burial mass will commence at 10:00am today at the LEA Primary School, Kamuru-Ikulu. A wake-keep service was held yesterday at his home town, Anchuna Sarki, where many paid glowing tributes to him and highlighted his sterling royal leadership of over 14 years. In life, His Royal Highness Mallam Kukah proved himself a peace-loving king whose resolve for unity and growth of his chiefdom was without boundary. In death, his inspiring footprints are a fitting roadmap on what the traditional institution should symbolise.
The Royal Majesty of Ikulu Chiefdom, may your soul find eternal repose in the bosom of Agwapan!
