The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, has passed away, bringing to an end a reign widely celebrated for restoring peace and unity to the Dagbon Kingdom after one of Ghana’s longest-running chieftaincy disputes.
His death marks the conclusion of a historic chapter in Dagbon’s traditional leadership, where he played a pivotal role in rebuilding trust and strengthening reconciliation following years of conflict between the Abudu and Andani royal families.
Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the 41st occupant of the Yendi skin, was enskinned on January 18, 2019, after a landmark peace process that resolved the 16-year succession dispute which had left the Dagbon throne vacant since 2002.
His installation followed extensive mediation efforts led by the government, eminent traditional rulers and other stakeholders, culminating in a peace roadmap accepted by both royal gates. The agreement paved the way for the selection and enskinment of a new Yaa Naa, bringing renewed stability to the kingdom.
Throughout his reign, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II was regarded as a unifying figure who promoted reconciliation, encouraged peaceful coexistence and worked to restore confidence in Dagbon’s traditional institutions.
His leadership also witnessed the revival of important cultural and traditional ceremonies that had been suspended during the years of conflict.
Born Bukali in Mion, the late Yaa Naa was the son of Yaa Naa Mahama II, who ruled Dagbon from 1938 until his passing in 1948.
His mother, Ayishetu, hailed from the royal family of Kulunkpegu, near Chaazaadaanyili in the Northern Region.
His journey to the Dagbon throne began with his enskinment as Chief of Kpunkpono before he later ascended to the Savelugu skin, one of the three principal gate skins whose occupants are eligible to become Yaa Naa.
The Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, which erupted in 2002 following violent clashes between the Abudu and Andani gates, left the Yendi skin vacant for more than a decade and a half.
The conflict claimed lives, disrupted traditional governance and affected social cohesion within the kingdom.
The successful implementation of the peace roadmap eventually restored the traditional succession process, leading to the enskinment of Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II in 2019.
His accession was widely viewed as a turning point that ushered in a new era of peace and stability in Dagbon.
As Overlord of Dagbon, he devoted his reign to fostering dialogue, preserving the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and promoting harmony among his people.
His efforts earned him widespread respect across Ghana’s traditional landscape.
News of his passing is expected to draw tributes from traditional authorities, political leaders and citizens across the country, many of whom will remember him for his commitment to peace, reconciliation and the restoration of the dignity of the Dagbon Kingdom.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Dagbon Traditional Council in due course.
By 1960news.com
