The late Aja Tako Taal became the Alkalo of Juffureh, a rich and cultured community in 1994 after she was appointed by former Governor of NBR, Captain Amadou Suwareh, under the instructions of the then Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFPRC) headed by former Gambian Dictator Yahya Jammeh.
This year marks exactly 32 years since she became the Alkalo of Juffureh. Her demise received widespread reaction from natives of Juffureh and beyond.
“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of our most elderly and respected Chief on her passing. Her wisdom, leadership, patience, and dedication to the peace and unity of our community will never be forgotten,” Sunkary Danso, a native and one of the youth leaders of Juffureh reacted to the demise of the Alkalo.
Sunkary Danso continued that: “Honestly, she was not only a leader but a motherly figure, a counselor, and a pillar of strength to us all. Her legacy of guidance, tradition, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Juffureh/Albreada Youths Society (JAYS), a registered community-based NGO formed in the mid 90s by the youths of the sister villages of Juffureh and Albreda also reacted to the demise of Aja Tako Taal.
“It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the communities of Juffureh and Albreda mourn the passing of their beloved Alkalo, Aja Tako Taal.A true matriarch and an immense pillar of the community, she stood as the only female village leader in the country — a testament to her extraordinary character and leadership,” JAYS said in a statement.
JAYS further continued that: “Her passing last night is a monumental loss not only to her Juffureh and Albreda but to the entire nation. She will be laid to rest in Juffureh today at 2:00 pm local time. May Allah SWT grant her a lofty abode in Jannah and provide strength to those she leaves behind.”
Aja Tako Taal replaced the late Demba Taal as the Alkalo of the village in 1994, both of whom were from the same Taal Kunda family.
The Taal Kunda family in Juffureh is a prominent lineage. Traditionally, they are the Alkalos and one of the founding families of Juffureh.
The Taal family has close ties with the Kunta Kinteh family. The two families are the custodians of Juffureh’s Mandinka heritage and its connection to the transatlantic slave trade.
Under her tenure as Alkalo from 1994 to 2026, Juffureh has seen significant development.
The late Aja Tako Taal’s age is not independently confirmed, but she is believed to have been over 100 years old at the time of her demise.
