The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari II, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Kingdom and Ghana as a whole.
The death of the revered traditional ruler was announced on Monday, July 13, by the Head of the Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, after the performance of customary rites at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
In a statement, Mr Iddrisu said Dagbon has been “plunged into a state of shock and mourning” following the passing of the monarch.
Paying tribute to the late Yaa-Naa, the Tamale South MP praised his leadership and commitment to peace, unity, and stability within the Kingdom.
“You built bridges and inspired the unity of Dagbon. May your passing make the Kingdom even greater and stronger,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu described the late King’s greatest legacy as the successful restoration of the rotational succession system between the Andani and Abudu royal gates, a development widely credited with strengthening peace in the Kingdom.
“The best of your legacy is restoring the rotation and succession between the brotherly Andani and Abudu gates and making it work effectively,” he stated.
According to the MP, the Yaa-Naa’s passing marks both a moment of grief and a new chapter in Dagbon’s history.
“Your death marks a significant moment for Dagbon, as it is both a loss and an opportunity. I see an Abudu succeeding an Andani and an Andani succeeding an Abudu henceforth, progressively, for the continued restoration and stability of the Dagbon State,” he said.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Dagbon Kingdom, Mr Iddrisu noted that the ancient Kingdom, founded between the 13th and 15th centuries, remains one of Ghana’s oldest traditional institutions with a rich legacy tracing back to Naa Gbewaa and his descendants.
He concluded by praying for the repose of the late monarch.
“May Yaa-Naa Abukari II’s affable soul, which witnessed the reinstatement of peace and progress in the ancient Dagbon Kingdom, rest in perfect peace.”
By Daniel Opoku
