Dagbon is in mourning.
The Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II, has passed on at age 87, after a seven-year reign.
The Head of Dagbon Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, made the official announcement on Monday morning at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, following the sounding of the traditional talking drum and the performance of customary rites.
In accordance with tradition, the late Ya-Na was laid to rest at dawn at Katini, the royal mausoleum.
His eldest son has been enskinned as Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, who will serve as Regent until a new Ya-Na is selected from the recognised gates.
To understand the significance of Ya-Na Abukari II’s reign, we must remember where Dagbon was in 2002 after the demise of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II on March 27, 2002.
What followed was 17 years of chieftaincy dispute, insecurity and pain between the Abudu and Andani gates.
Markets closed. Schools suffered.
Development stalled.
The entire nation felt it.
During his seven years on the Yendi Skin, Ya-Na Abukari II chose the path of reconciliation over recrimination.
He was widely respected for promoting peace and unity across Dagbon.
He worked to amend the Dagbon Constitution to reflect modern governance while protecting custom.
The goal was simple: stronger institutions, smoother transitions, and less room for future disputes. He also understood that tradition and development must walk together.
Under his leadership, the historic Gbewaa Palace was redeveloped into an ultramodern royal complex, nearing completion.
It will stand as a symbol of Dagbon’s heritage and pride.
Beyond the palace, he supported initiatives aimed at improving education, health and livelihoods across Dagbon communities. As President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, his voice carried weight beyond his kingdom.
Chiefs from other traditions listened because he spoke from experience — the experience of pulling a kingdom back from the brink.
With the Regent, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, now overseeing affairs, the focus must shift to two things: a dignified funeral and a peaceful succession. Dagbon’s customs are clear.
The next Ya-Na will come from the recognised gates.
The process must be transparent, guided by tradition, and free from external interference or politics.
The Committee of Eminent Chiefs set a high standard in 2019.
That same spirit of patience and consensus must guide us now.
Government, security agencies, and the people of Dagbon all have a role. Let the mourning period be observed with the dignity the late King deserves. Let politicians resist the temptation to exploit the transition.
The biggest tribute we can pay Ya-Na Abukari II is to protect what he rebuilt: peace.
a-Na Abukari II’s story is a national lesson. First, that chieftaincy disputes are not “local matters.”
When Dagbon was divided, the whole of northern Ghana felt the economic and security impact.
When Dagbon found peace, the whole country benefitted.
Second, that traditional institutions remain central to Ghana’s governance.
The reforms the late Ya-Na championed — updating the Dagbon Constitution while preserving custom — show how tradition can adapt without losing its soul.
To the people of Dagbon, the Daily Graphic extends heartfelt condolences.
We mourn with you
We celebrate with you the life of a king who chose unity over division.
We urge the government to support the funeral arrangements and ensure security before, during, and after the Adua on July 16.
And also support the completion of the new Gbewaa Palace as a national heritage project.
We are sure the kingmakers will be guided by the Dagbon Constitution, and by the example of the late Overlord.
To all Ghanaians: let us respect the customs of Dagbon during this period.
This is a time for reflection, not for speculation.
Ya-Na Abukari II did not inherit a peaceful throne.
He inherited a fractured one.
And he left it more united than he found it.
The palace he helped rebuild will stand.
The peace he brokered must stand longer.
As Dagbon mourns, let us remember the words and works of the late Ya-Na
Let us choose dialogue over division.
Let us choose development over dispute.
May the soul of Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II rest in peace.
And may Dagbon continue to rise — more united, stronger, and proud. Dagbon has lost a father.
Ghana has lost a peacemaker.
