The most senior elder of the Gbewaa Palace, Mba Dugu, has clarified that the newly enskinned Kampakuya-Naa, Yakubu Abubakari, will not immediately assume the full traditional responsibilities of Regent as the Dagbon Kingdom continues to observe the funeral rites of the late Overlord, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II.
Addressing mourners, chiefs and palace elders at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, Mba Dugu explained that, in accordance with the customs and traditions of Dagbon, the day-to-day management of key traditional, family and ceremonial affairs will remain in the hands of the elders of the Gbewaa Palace throughout the mourning period.
His clarification comes days after Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu Abubakari, the eldest surviving son of the late Yaa-Naa, was traditionally enskinned as Regent following the passing of his father.
The Regent was installed on Monday, July 13, 2026, through the customary processes led by Zohi Naa in consultation with Kuga Naa, before the late monarch was laid to rest at the sacred Katini in accordance with Dagbon tradition.
Although the Kampakuya-Naa serves as the symbolic head of the kingdom during the interregnum, Mba Dugu said the Regent would, for now, be exempt from performing the broader functions associated with the office.
According to him, all major public engagements, customary ceremonies, family matters and other important traditional responsibilities will continue to be handled collectively by the elders of the Gbewaa Palace until the prescribed funeral rites have been completed and the relevant customary processes permit the Regent to assume a more active role.
He explained that the arrangement is in keeping with the long-established customs governing royal transitions in the Dagbon Kingdom, where the period immediately following the death of a Yaa-Naa is managed under the guidance of the palace elders.
Mba Dugu, however, indicated that the Kampakuya-Naa will continue to receive mourners, traditional rulers, dignitaries and other visitors at his residence as part of the ongoing royal funeral rites.
Since his enskinment, Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu Abubakari has received several condolence visits, including a high-powered delegation from the Abudu Royal Gate led by Naa Bakpemah Karinaa, as well as traditional authorities, government officials and members of the public who have converged on Yendi to mourn the late King.
The clarification by the Gbewaa Palace’s most senior elder provides further insight into the carefully structured customs that guide Dagbon during an interregnum, ensuring continuity, stability and strict adherence to centuries-old traditions while preparations continue for the eventual selection and enskinment of a new Yaa-Naa.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
