On Friday, July 31, the Dagbon Kingdom in northern Ghana welcomed a new chapter in its customary succession process with the enskinment of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu as Regent. Yakubu, the eldest son of the late Ya-Na Abukari II, was installed at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi to administer the affairs of the kingdom pending the selection and enskinment of a new Overlord.
Colourful Ceremony Marks New Era in Dagbon
The ceremony, which attracted hundreds of mourners, chiefs, opinion leaders, and dignitaries from across the country, was a mix of ancient Dagbon customs and Islamic rites. President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and other prominent figures were in attendance. The Regent's installation included the shaving of his head and special Quran recitations and prayers led by Islamic clerics for the repose of the soul of the late Ya-Na.
Traditional Rites and Pledges for Peace
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama paid tribute to the late Ya-Na Abukari II, describing him as a statesman whose reign restored harmony and advanced development within the kingdom. He urged the people of Dagbon to preserve the peace painstakingly built over the years and assured the newly installed Regent of government's support as he steers the kingdom through the transition. Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also honoured the memory of the late Ya-Na, describing him as a father figure whose leadership helped consolidate lasting peace in Dagbon.
Regent Pledges to Safeguard Peace and Uphold Succession Arrangement
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Paramount Chief of the Zanbalung Traditional Area, Naa Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama, the Regent pledged to safeguard the peace achieved under his father's reign and faithfully uphold the rotational succession agreement between the Abudu and Andani royal gates. The Regent assured the gathering that the established succession arrangement would be respected when the time comes to install a new Ya-Na. He also pledged to continue key development initiatives championed by the late Overlord, including the construction of the Gbewaa Palace, implementation of the Dagbon 10-Year Development Plan, and partnerships in agriculture and energy development.
Ya-Na Abukari II Laid to Rest
Ya-Na Abukari II was laid to rest at Katini, the royal mausoleum of Dagbon, last Monday in accordance with the kingdom's customs and traditions. The third-day and seventh-day Islamic prayers (Adua) have since been observed, paving the way for the customary installation of the Kampakuya Naa and the commencement of the next phase of Dagbon's succession process, which will culminate in the enskinment of a new Ya-Na. With the Regent now in place, the kingdom can look forward to a period of stability and transition, as the people of Dagbon work towards the selection and enskinment of a new Overlord.
Source: Joy Online
