Politics

Dagbon king Yaa Naa Abukari II who brought peace to the north dies at 87

Big Man•10 hours ago•2 min read

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Summary by NSEM

Dagbon king Yaa Naa Abukari II, who brought peace to the north after a 17-year chieftaincy dispute, has died at 87. His reign was marked by reconciliation and a resurgence of dignity in the kingdom.

His Royal Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, the 41st Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom and President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, has passed away at the age of 87 after a period of illness.

The Gbewaa Palace confirmed his death in an official statement on Monday July 13, announced by the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, after traditional talking drums were sounded and customary rites performed at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. Sources close to the palace said Yaa Naa Abukari II had travelled to South Africa for medical treatment after a short illness and died there.

He was buried at dawn in Yendi in accordance with Dagbon custom. Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II was born in Mion in 1939 and was enskinned as the 41st Yaa Naa on January 18, 2019 — bringing to an end 17 years of one of Ghana's most painful and violent chieftaincy disputes.

In March 2002, his predecessor Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II was murdered at the Gbewaa Palace during bloody clashes between Dagbon's two royal gates — the Abudu and Andani families — leaving the Yendi throne vacant for 17 years. A peace process led by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and a Committee of Eminent Chiefs spanning multiple Ghanaian governments finally brought resolution in 2019.

When the oracle was consulted on January 18, 2019, the farmer-chief of Savelugu — Abukari Mahama — was chosen. In accordance with Dagbon custom, his eldest son has been enskinned as Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari and will serve as Regent and oversee the affairs of the kingdom until a new Yaa Naa is selected and enskinned in line with Dagbon tradition.

President John Dramani Mahama extended the government's deepest condolences, saying Yaa Naa Abukari II would be remembered as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign brought healing, reconciliation and lasting peace to Dagbon. Former President Akufo-Addo, who holds the Dagbon title Naa Abudani, described his reign as one that brought a rapid resurgence of dignity, pride, unity and cultural renaissance across Dagbon.

The National Chief Imam described the late king as a fallen tree of royal honour and national pride.

Key points

Dagbon King Yaa Naa Abukari II, Peacemaker of the North, Dies at 87

“His Royal Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, the 41st Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom and President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, has passed away at the age of 87 after a period of illness.”

This marks the passing of a significant traditional leader whose reign was crucial for bringing peace and stability to the Dagbon Kingdom after years of conflict. His death initiates the traditional succession process.

Yaa Naa Abukari II Credited with Ending 17-Year Violent Chieftaincy Dispute in Dagbon

“Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II was enskinned as the 41st Yaa Naa on January 18, 2019 — bringing to an end 17 years of one of Ghana's most painful and violent chieftaincy disputes.”

His enskinment in 2019 was a pivotal moment, resolving a long-standing conflict that had caused significant instability and violence in the region. This highlights his most impactful legacy as a peacemaker.

Eldest Son Appointed Regent to Oversee Dagbon Kingdom Until New Yaa Naa is Chosen

“In accordance with Dagbon custom, his eldest son has been enskinned as Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari and will serve as Regent and oversee the affairs of the kingdom until a new Yaa Naa is selected and enskinned in line with Dagbon tradition.”

This outlines the immediate traditional process for leadership transition, ensuring continuity and adherence to Dagbon customs while the selection of the next permanent ruler takes place. It prevents a power vacuum.

National Leaders Commend Yaa Naa Abukari II's Legacy of Healing and Reconciliation

“President John Dramani Mahama extended the government's deepest condolences, saying Yaa Naa Abukari II would be remembered as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign brought healing, reconciliation and lasting peace to Dagbon.”

The widespread tributes from national leaders underscore the profound positive impact of his reign on the Dagbon Kingdom and Ghana, emphasizing his crucial role in restoring stability, dignity, and cultural pride.

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