The Gbewa Palace in Yendi has announced the passing of Ya-Na Abukari II, the 41st King of the Dagbon Kingdom.
In line with Dagbon custom, his son has been appointed Kampakuya Na to serve as Regent, overseeing the kingdom’s affairs until a new Ya-Na is enskinned.
Born circa the 1940s into the royal family at Mion, Ya-Na Abukari II was the son of Mahama II (Yaa Naa, 1938–1948) and Princess Ayishetu of Kulunkpegu. He began his chieftaincy career as chief of Kpunkpono before being elevated to Savelugu Na, one of three gate chiefs eligible for the Yendi skin.
His enskinment on January 18, 2019, was a historic milestone, ending a 17-year chieftaincy dispute that followed the 2002 assassination of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani.
The conflict had left the Yendi skins vacant and divided the Abudu and Andani factions. Peace was restored through the intervention of a committee of eminent chiefs, the Asantehene, the Yagbonwura, and the Nayiri, who facilitated the kingmakers’ decision to enthrone Ya-Na Abukari II.
His reign came to symbolise reconciliation and the reaffirmation of Dagbon’s cultural heritage.
The succession process now rests with the three recognised gate chiefs, Karaga-Na, Yoo-Na, and Mion-Lana, in accordance with tradition.
