The Gbewa palace in Yendi has announced the passing of Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II. His son, has been appointed Kampakuya Na, to serve as Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom, following the demise.
He is serving as the traditional caretaker and overseeing the kingdom’s affairs on behalf of the Dagbon throne in accordance with Dagbon custom.
Ya-Na Abukari II was born around the 1940’s into a Dagbon royal family at Mion to Mahama II, the Ya-Na from 1938 to February 6, 1948.
His mother, Ayishetu, was a princess from Kulunkpegu, a small community near Chaazaadaanyili.
Ya-Na Abukari, first undertook public duties as the chief of Kpunkpono until he was elevated to Savelugu; one of three gate skins to succeed the Yaa Naa.
On January 18, 2019, following a chieftaincy dispute that left the Yendi skins vacant for 16 years, Ya-Na Abukari, was enskinned by the kingmakers of Dagbon as the 41st Ya-Na
Ascending the Yendi skin
There are three traditional gate chiefs eligible for the Yendi skin.
The Yendi skin is one of the most respected traditional kingdoms in Ghana. According to Dagbon custom and tradition, only three traditional gate chiefs are eligible to ascend the Yendi skin.
When a Ya-Na passes, these three paramount chiefs; Karaga-na, Yoo-na, and Mion-lana represent the recognized traditional gates from which a new Yaa-Na is selected in accordance with Dagbon custom and traditions.
The institution of chieftaincy in Dagbon is built on history, respect, unity, and cultural heritage.
Dagbon peace
On March 27, 2002, Dagbon and the entire nation was put in a state of shock and sadness following the assassination of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani who ascended the Dagbon skin in 1974.
His death resulted in a 17-year old chieftaincy dispute between two factions termed Abudu and Andani.
A committee of eminent chiefs made up of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa I and Nayiri, Naa Bohogu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga was constituted to find a lasting solution to the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy dispute.
On January 18, 2019, after 17 years of dispute, the peace of Dagbon was finally restored and Ya-Na Abukari was enskined as the 41st Ya-Na.
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