Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa is the reputed founder of the Gonja kingdom, a warrior said to have come 'from Mande', who campaigned across Gonja and installed his sons and followers as chiefs of its divisions. Tradition holds that he died of wounds from a campaign; his tomb is at Old Buipe in Central Gonja.
Gonja divisional chiefs trace their authority to the sons Jakpa placed over the conquered lands.