The new Regent of Dagbon, His Royal Highness Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, has taken his oath of office, pledging to preserve the kingdom's hard-won peace and uphold the rotational chieftaincy succession arrangement between the Andani and Abudu gates. Delivering his maiden address at the Gbewaa Palace on July 31, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II vowed to safeguard the unity and stability of Dagbon.
A Legacy of Peace
The new regent's address was a testament to the legacy of his late father, His Royal Majesty Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari II, who had built bridges of reconciliation in Dagbon. Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II described his father as a builder of peace, who consistently placed the interests of the kingdom above those of any royal gate. He recalled how his father had enskinned more Abudu chiefs than Andani chiefs during his reign, choosing the kingdom's peace over gate advantage.
Upholding Tradition
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II reaffirmed his commitment to the peace agreement that ended years of chieftaincy conflict in Dagbon. He pledged to uphold the rotational succession arrangement between the two royal gates, describing it as an expression of wisdom by those who recognised that lasting peace was more valuable than partisan victory. "The rotational arrangement for chieftaincy succession in Dagbon, I affirm it. I embrace it. I will uphold it," he stated.
A Message of Unity
The regent also cautioned against attempts to exploit the transition period for partisan interests. "Let no one use this transition period to plant seeds of discord. Let no one exploit this solemn moment to advance gate interests over Dagbon's interests. I will not permit it," he said. Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II assured the people of Dagbon that the process to enskin a new Yaa Naa would be conducted transparently and strictly in accordance with tradition and the existing peace agreement.
Development Agenda Continues
The new regent also pledged to continue the late king's development agenda, including the construction of the new palace, implementation of the Dagbon Ten-Year Development Plan, the establishment of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Yendi Campus, and ongoing agricultural and energy partnerships. "My father is gone. But Dagbon stands," he said. "This is the Dagbon he built. This is the Dagbon he left us. And this is the Dagbon we must protect."
A New Era for Dagbon
The ceremony was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic corps. The regency will oversee the affairs of Dagbon until a new Yaa Naa is enskinned in accordance with the kingdom's rotational succession agreement. As the kingdom looks to the future, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II's words of caution and commitment to peace and tradition will be closely watched by all stakeholders.
Source: Joy Online
