The Regent of Dagbon, His Royal Highness Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, has called on all factions within the kingdom to reject division and support a peaceful transition following the death of His Royal Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari II.
In his maiden address at the Gbewaa Palace on Friday, July 31, delivered on his behalf by Zangbalun Naa Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama, the regent stressed that preserving the peace achieved in Dagbon would remain his highest priority throughout the regency.
He cautioned against attempts to exploit the transition period for partisan or gate interests, warning that he would not tolerate actions capable of undermining the unity of the kingdom.
“Let no one use this transition period to plant seeds of discord. Let no one exploit this solemn moment to advance gate interests over Dagbon’s interests. I will not permit it,” he declared.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II also reaffirmed his commitment to the rotational chieftaincy succession arrangement between the Andani and Abudu royal gates, describing it as a time-tested framework that has restored stability after years of conflict.
“The rotational arrangement for chieftaincy succession in Dagbon, I affirm it. I embrace it. I will uphold it,” he said, adding that lasting peace should always take precedence over factional victories.
Reflecting on the legacy of his late father, the regent described him as a leader who prioritised reconciliation over rivalry, saying his reign was defined by efforts to unite the kingdom.
Quoting the late Yaa Naa, he said, “I love those who build bridges of peace, but I do not like those who destroy the peace.”
He noted that his father’s decision to enskin more chiefs from the Abudu gate than the Andani gate during his reign demonstrated a commitment to fairness and national cohesion rather than gate loyalty, describing it as one of his greatest acts of statesmanship.
The regent further assured the people of Dagbon that the process to enskin a new Yaa Naa would be conducted transparently, in strict accordance with Dagbon customs and the existing peace accord.
The ceremony attracted President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, traditional authorities and members of the diplomatic corps.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II will oversee the affairs of the Dagbon Kingdom until a new Yaa Naa is selected and enskinned under the established rotational succession arrangement.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
