Jenjo Nation Bids Farewell to 33rd IvahZapteh

The Jenjo Nation has been thrown into mourning as the remains of its traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Pa Ma'aji Alexander Vah Nyako, the 33rd Ivah Zapteh of the Jenjo people, were laid to rest on Friday in Jen, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

 

HRH Pa Ma'aji Alexander Vah Nyako, who reigned from April 4, 2014 until his death on January 9, 2026, died at the age of 85 after a brief illness. He was buried at his residence, the Palace of the IvahZapteh, in accordance with Jenjo traditional rites.

 

From the early hours of Friday, mourners drawn from Jenjo communities, neighbouring chiefdoms and traditional institutions gathered in Jen to pay their last respects to the monarch, whose reign was described as a period of stability, cultural preservation and peaceful coexistence.

 

Elders of the Jenjo Nation, speaking during the burial rites, described the late ruler as a custodian of tradition who upheld the values of the Zaptehinstitution while fostering unity among his people.

 

The late Ivah Zapteh is survived by his wife, three children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

 

As drums fell silent and traditional rites concluded, members of the Jenjo Nation prayed for the peaceful transition of their departed ruler and for wisdom to guide the process of succession, as the ancient throne of the Ivah Zapteh becomes vacant.