The ancient Kingdom of Dagbon has officially entered a period of mourning following the formal declaration of the death of His Royal Majesty, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
In keeping with centuries-old Dagbon tradition, news of the King’s passing was announced in the early hours of Monday through the solemn echo of gunshots, the rhythmic beating of royal drums and the ceremonial display of the Sapashini (warriors), signalling to the people of Dagbon and beyond that the occupant of the revered Skin of Gbewaa had joined his ancestors.
The traditional proclamation followed earlier reports by Kumasi Mail on Sunday that the Overlord passed away in South Africa, where he had travelled to seek medical attention after a brief illness.
At the Gbewaa Palace, customary burial rites for the late monarch are now underway as chiefs, elders, princes, princesses and mourners begin observing the sacred funeral traditions reserved for a Yaa-Naa.
In accordance with the customs of Dagbon, a new Kampakuya-Naa, who serves as Regent of the Kingdom, has been enskinned to assume temporary responsibility for the affairs of Dagbon during the period of mourning. The Regent will oversee the performance of all royal funeral rites and the administration of the kingdom until a successor is selected and installed as the next Yaa-Naa.
The death of Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II marks the end of a reign remembered for reconciliation, stability and the strengthening of unity within the Dagbon Kingdom.
Since ascending the skin in January 2019, he dedicated his leadership to fostering peaceful coexistence among the people of Dagbon, regardless of royal lineage, while upholding the customs and traditions that have defined one of Africa’s oldest kingdoms for centuries.
As custodian of the Dagbon Kingdom, whose authority extended across much of northern Ghana, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II occupied one of the nation’s most revered traditional thrones.
His passing has therefore drawn the kingdom into one of its most sacred moments, as age-old customs now guide the transition from one reign to the next.
The Gbewaa Palace is expected to remain the focal point of mourning in the coming days as traditional rites continue and dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials and members of the public converge on Yendi to pay their final respects to the late King.
For the people of Dagbon, the royal drums now beat not in celebration but in farewell, honouring a monarch whose reign will be remembered as one that helped preserve peace, restore confidence and uphold the enduring dignity of the Kingdom of Gbewaa.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
