Dagbon mourns the passing of overlord Yaa Naa Abukari II
Yendi: The Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, has passed away at the age of 87.
He died on July 11, 2026, while seeking medical treatment in South Africa. His sudden demise has plunged the entire nation into a deep state of mourning.
A Dawn Burial and Traditional Announcement
In strict accordance with Dagbon customs and Islamic traditions, the late King was laid to rest at dawn at the sacred royal mausoleum.
The formal announcement of his transition was made by the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, and was preceded by the traditional sounding of the talking drum at the Gbewaa Palace.
A Legacy of Peace and Reconciliation
Enskinned in January 2019, Yaa Naa Abukari II will be remembered as the 41st overlord who successfully brought an end to a protracted 16-year chieftaincy conflict in Dagbon.
His seven-year reign successfully bridged the gap between the Abudu and Andani royal gates, establishing a new era of reconciliation, healing, and lasting stability in the region.
Next Steps for the Kingdom
As the people of Dagbon observe traditional mourning rites, including the upcoming seventh-day Adua slated for July 24, 2026, a regent has been enskinned. Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari will temporarily oversee the affairs of the kingdom until requisite funeral rites are completed and a new Yaa Naa is selected in line with the rotational succession system.
Glowing Tributes
Northern Region Members of Parliament have paid glowing tributes to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, describing him as a father, statesman and unifier whose reign fostered peace and reconciliation across the kingdom.
The Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Alhassan S. Tampuli, described the late Yaa Naa as a father and prayed for Allah to grant him Jannah and forgive his shortcomings.
The Member of Parliament for Mion, Misbahu Adams Mahama, also mourned the revered monarch, bidding him farewell with the words, “Journey well, my King.”
The Member of Parliament for Karaga and former Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, quoted Qur’an 2:156, saying, “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return,” before praying for the late king’s peaceful repose.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, said Dagbon had lost more than a king, describing Yaa Naa Abukari II as a powerful unifier who built bridges, inspired reconciliation and left behind a legacy of peace that would endure for generations.
He noted that the late monarch stood on the enduring legacy of his forebears, including Naa Gbewaa and Naa Nyagsi, and urged the people of Dagbon to preserve the unity he restored by faithfully upholding the kingdom’s cherished rotational succession system between the Abudu and Andani royal gates.
Haruna Iddrisu further prayed for Allah to grant the late Yaa Naa Al-Jannah Firdaus and continue to bless Dagbon with lasting peace, describing him as “a colossus of unity”.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Seidu Mahama Alidu, said the death of the Yaa Naa was a profound personal and national loss, describing him as a revered king, father and unifying force whose wisdom, humility and commitment to peace shaped both Dagbon and Ghana.
He said he had enjoyed a close relationship with the late monarch, whose fatherly counsel and exemplary leadership left a lasting impact on his public service.
According to him, the Yaa Naa demonstrated that true authority was founded on wisdom, justice and compassion while strengthening the relationship between traditional leadership and democratic governance.
He said, although the royal drums now beat in mourning, the late king’s legacy of unity, peace and selfless service would continue to inspire future generations.
The Tamale Central MP extended condolences on behalf of the people of the constituency to the Royal Family, the chiefs and elders of Dagbon, and all mourners, while praying for Allah to forgive the late monarch’s shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort all those affected by the loss.
He said the Yaa Naa’s reign would forever remain in the hearts of his people.
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