The Dagbon Kingdom has been thrown into a state of profound shock and mourning following the announcement of the passing of its Overlord, Ya-Na Abukari II.
The death of the revered traditional ruler, who was also the President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, was officially announced on Monday morning by the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II.
The announcement followed the performance of mandatory customary rites and the sounding of the traditional talking drum at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
Sources close to the palace indicate that the late King passed away in South Africa, where he had travelled to undergo medical treatment after a brief illness.
Preparations are currently underway at the historic Gbewaa Palace for the burial of the late Overlord, strictly following the sacred customs of the Dagbamba people.
The passing of Ya-Na Abukari II marks the end of a historic chapter for the Dagbon Kingdom.
Enskinned in January 2019, his coronation successfully resolved a bitter, 17-year chieftaincy vacuum that had fractured the region.
Throughout his seven-year reign, the Overlord was widely celebrated as a pillar of reconciliation, championing institutional reforms—including a comprehensive review of the Dagbon Constitution—and overseeing the modernisation of the Gbewaa Palace complex.
To maintain traditional stability during this period of mourning, succession protocols have already commenced.
In strict adherence to Dagbon tradition, the late Overlord’s eldest son has been enskinned as the Kampakuya Naa, Yakubu Abukari.
He will assume the role of Regent, managing the administrative and traditional affairs of the kingdom until the final funeral rites are performed and the kingmakers select a permanent successor.
Further details regarding the funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the Dagbon Traditional Council in the coming days.
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