Omanghana
The newly enskinned Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, has pledged to oversee a fair, transparent and peaceful transition towards the selection of the kingdom’s next substantive Overlord.
Delivering his maiden address during his official enskinment at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Friday, July 31, 2026, the Regent warned individuals and groups against exploiting the transition to create divisions or advance personal interests.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari said he was committed to protecting the legacy of peace, unity and reconciliation established by his late father, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II.
In the speech read on his behalf by Dr. Jacob Yakubu Mahama, the Regent promised to preserve the institutions, community relationships and peacebuilding structures developed under the late Overlord.
“I will not destroy what my father built. Not one bridge he constructed will be destroyed under my watch. Not one,” he declared.
The Regent also reaffirmed his commitment to Dagbon’s traditional rotational succession arrangement between the Andani and Abudu royal gates.
He described the customary system as an important foundation for fairness and long-term stability within the kingdom, assuring residents that it would be respected throughout the succession process.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari warned opportunists against taking advantage of the sensitive period to promote selfish ambitions or manufacture conflict among the people.
He stressed that activities capable of undermining Dagbon’s collective peace and harmony would not be tolerated under his leadership.
The Regent further assured kingmakers, political leaders and residents that the process leading to the selection and enskinment of the next Yaa-Naa would be conducted transparently and in strict accordance with Dagbon customs.
His assumption of the regency follows the death of Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II and represents a key step towards organizing the late Overlord’s final funeral rites before a substantive successor is selected.
Following the peaceful enskinment ceremony, the National Peace Council and the Northern Regional Security Council commended the people of Yendi and members of the two royal gates for demonstrating maturity and restraint.
Security authorities also reiterated their readiness to maintain law and order throughout the transition. They warned that the possession or use of illegal firearms and any attempt to disrupt the funeral or succession processes would not be tolerated.
The Regent called on all residents of Dagbon to remain united and protect the peace secured under his late father’s reign as the kingdom enters another important period in its traditional history.
Source: Omanghana
