Retired Army General Yake Elected First Gung-Za’ar of Newly Created Zaar Chiefdom

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Marcus Kokko Yake (retd), has emerged as the first officially selected and recognised Gung-Za’ar of the newly created Zaar Chiefdom in Bauchi State.

His emergence followed the provisions of the Zaar Chiefdom Law 2025, which guided the transparent election process.

This was contained in a press release signed by Khadija Danladi Hassan Kobi, Information Officer, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bauchi State, dated Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Kobi stated that the Ministry had earlier issued a public notice inviting expressions of interest from eligible contenders for the revered traditional stool.

The statement revealed that seven applications were received, screened, and cleared for participation.

Out of these, three candidates withdrew before the election, leaving four others to contest.

“Following the elections, Brigadier-General Marcus Kokko Yake (Rtd) emerged as the winner,” the release stated.

“His election will consequently be presented to the Governor for approval and formal appointment as the first Gung-Za’ar of the Zaar Chiefdom.

This marks a historic milestone in the actualisation of the long-standing aspiration of the Zaar people for an officially recognised traditional institution within Bauchi State.