Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari has pledged to preserve the peace, unity and reconciliation achieved in Dagbon under the leadership of his late father, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.
The newly outdoored Regent made the commitment during his installation ceremony in Yendi on Friday, 31 July, following the death of the Overlord on 11 July 2026.
Thousands of mourners, chiefs, royals, dignitaries and well-wishers attended the historic ceremony. Those present included President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice-President and 2028 NPP presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu.
The Regent’s maiden address was delivered on his behalf by Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama. He said Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari was determined to protect the structures, relationships and reconciliation initiatives established during his father’s reign.
A central part of that commitment is the rotational chieftaincy succession system between the Andani and Abudu gates. The Regent described the arrangement as essential to Dagbon’s long-term stability.
He also praised Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II for respecting the succession agreement throughout his time as Overlord, saying his late father had shown statesmanship by placing unity ahead of factional interests.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari urged chiefs, elders, royal families and community leaders not to use the transition period to pursue factional advantage. Instead, he called on them to remain united and protect the peace of Dagbon.
The Regent further promised to continue the development initiatives begun by his father. He said he would also maintain relationships with the government, international partners, corporate institutions and neighbouring kingdoms.
He expressed deep gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the support he had given Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II over many years, particularly during the late Overlord’s final days.
Traditional ceremony under tight security
The installation included traditional drumming, ceremonial musket firing and cultural displays by local warriors. Islamic prayers were offered for the late Ya-Na, while customary rites took place behind closed doors before the public outdooring.
More than 600 security personnel were deployed across Yendi as authorities worked to ensure the ceremony passed peacefully.
The installation of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari represents a significant stage in Dagbon’s succession process. It also begins the process leading to the final funeral rites for the late Ya-Na.
Those rites will take place before the eventual selection and enskinment of a new Overlord.
