On October 7, 2026, Plateau Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang installed His Royal Highness Miskagam Jerome Goewam Leklak II as the new Long Pan of Pan Chiefdom. This move restores the traditional stool to first-class status. The installation ceremony took place at the Ba'ap Mini Stadium in Qua'an-Pan Local Government Area. Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the event signifies the restoration of a cherished institution and a symbol of unity for the people of Pan.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening traditional institutions across Plateau State. He noted that these institutions are crucial partners in governance, peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and community development. The Governor has made the restoration and repositioning of traditional institutions a key priority. He assured that vacant stools would be filled through processes that respect the law, customs, and peculiarities of each community.
The Governor commended the people of Pan Chiefdom and the Qua'an-Pan Local Government Area Traditional Council for their maturity and peaceful conduct during the transition. This followed the death of the late Long Pan, His Royal Highness Miskagam Emmanuel Dabang, on May 8, 2025. Governor Mutfwang urged the new monarch to lead with wisdom, humility, fairness, and courage. He stressed that the Long Pan's ascension comes with the responsibility of uniting all sons and daughters of Pan.
Governor Mutfwang called on traditional rulers across the state to strengthen community relations and work closely with security agencies. He emphasized that security must be treated as a collective responsibility. The Governor also cautioned against drug abuse and indiscriminate leasing of community and ancestral lands for mining. He assured that the government is developing modalities to ensure that the Federal Government, State, host communities, and legitimate landowners derive appropriate benefits from mineral resources while protecting the environment.
During the ceremony, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ephraim Gar, noted that the Mutfwang administration has demonstrated its commitment to repositioning the traditional institution. He maintained that the traditional institution remains highly revered due to its role in preserving the people's values and heritage. The Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman Jos Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Majesty, Da. Jacob Gyang Buba, congratulated the new Long Pan, emphasizing that his ascension is a call to service based on his proven record, character, and deep familiarity.
The new Long Pan, Miskagam Jerome Goewam Leklak II, expressed joy and pledged unflinching support to the Time is Now Administration. He highlighted the vulnerability of the Pan people to banditry and terrorism, appealing for an operational command as a buffer along the Quaanpan – Mangu to Nasarawa corridor. The Executive Chairman of Quan'an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, congratulated the new Long Pan and appreciated Governor Caleb Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment for the selection and presentation of the Staff of Office.
Governor Mutfwang later commissioned the remodelled Long Pan's Palace at Doemak and the newly constructed Snakebite Treatment Centre at Doemak, Quan'Pan Local Government Area. The Governor also made a commitment to the development of the Southern Zone, including the completion of 61km Dokan Tofa-Baap-Kurgwi and Jibam-Dokan Kasuwa Roads. He aims to connect the Southern Zone to reliable electricity, unlock the economic potential of the area, stimulate commerce and enterprise, create opportunities, and improve the standard of living of the people.
Key points
- Governor Mutfwang installs new Long Pan, restoring the traditional stool to first-class status.
- The Governor emphasizes the importance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and community development.
- The new Long Pan, Miskagam Jerome Goewam Leklak II, pledges support to the Time is Now Administration and highlights the security challenges faced by the Pan people.
