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The Gbewa Palace in Yendi has officially announced the passing of Ya-Na Abukari II, the 41st Ya-Na of Dagbon.
Following his death, his son has been appointed as Kampakuya Na to serve as Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom. The Regent will act as the traditional caretaker, overseeing the affairs of the kingdom and ensuring continuity of the Dagbon throne in line with established customs and traditions.
Born in the 1940s into the Dagbon royal family at Mion, Ya-Na Abukari II was the son of Mahama II, who served as Ya-Na from 1938 until February 6, 1948. His mother, Ayishetu, was a princess from Kulunkpegu, a community near Chaazaadaanyili.
Before ascending the Yendi Skin, Ya-Na Abukari II began his traditional leadership journey as Chief of Kpunkpono before being elevated to become Savelugu-Lana, one of the three traditional gate chiefs eligible to succeed the Ya-Na.
On January 18, 2019, after a 16-year vacancy of the Yendi Skin due to a long-standing chieftaincy dispute, the Dagbon kingmakers enskinned him as the 41st Ya-Na, marking a significant moment in the restoration of peace and unity in Dagbon.
The Path to the Yendi Skin
According to Dagbon customs, only three traditional gates are eligible to produce a successor to the Yendi Skin. These are the Karaga Skin, Yoo Skin, and Mion Skin.
The chiefs occupying these skins represent the recognized traditional gates from which a new Ya-Na is selected, preserving the history, culture, and heritage of the Dagbon Kingdom.
A Legacy of Peace
The passing of Ya-Na Abukari II comes after his historic role in restoring peace to Dagbon following years of conflict.
On March 27, 2002, the assassination of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, who ruled from 1974, plunged Dagbon into a prolonged chieftaincy crisis between the Abudu and Andani factions.
To resolve the dispute, a committee of eminent traditional leaders, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; the Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa I; and the Nayiri, Naa Bohogu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, was established to find a lasting solution.
After 17 years of conflict, peace was restored in Dagbon on January 18, 2019, with the enskinment of Ya-Na Abukari II as the 41st Ya-Na.
Story by Efua Nessa