Yaa-Naa Conveys Deepest Admiration For Otumfuo

The overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari II has expressed his profound gratitude and admiration for the King of the Asante Kingdom, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II over his ability to amicably resolve the protracted conflict between the Adanis and Abudus, two ruling families in the Kingdom.

The message delivered on his behalf by a delegation from the Gbewa Palace factored in the steadfast attitude the King portrayed in getting the issue closed to make way for the enskinment of a legitimate ruler over the Kingdom.

In an address, the leader of the delegation, Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama, the Paramount Chief of the Zangbalin Traditional Area, recognized that the friendship created in the aftermath of the resolution between Otumfuo and Yaa-Naa is a pivot upon which the “reinvigorated spirit of peace and unity in Dagbon continues to thrive”.

“We are here once again to express Yaa Naa Abukari II’s profound gratitude for Your Highness’ invaluable support and guidance throughout the delicate process of reconciliation and restoration in our beloved kingdom.”

According to him, the amicable settlement of the chieftaincy conflict is a testament to Otumfuo’s wisdom, leadership and commitment to fostering peace and harmony in the traditional landscape.

The delegation presented some items that they termed as a token of Yaa-Naa’s appreciation and further reaffirmed the Dagbonwura’s commitment to preserving the peace and tranquillity prevailing on his land.

“We are also here to reaffirm Yaa Naa Abukari II’s unwavering commitment to upholding the values of peace, unity and collaboration, not only within the boundaries of Dagbon but also across the broader Ghanaian traditional landscape.”

Duty

His Majesty, in response indicated that his role in settling the chieftaincy dispute was more of a duty than a national assignment.

“My role in setting the Dagbon issue was a duty. We are brothers so it wasn’t anything of a national duty to me. That’s why I wholeheartedly made sure that there was peace because if there is no peace in Dagbon, there is no peace in Asante also.”

Otumfuo expressed satisfaction with the fatherly trait Yaa-Naa has exhibited since the beginning of his reign.

“Things are going well in his reign. I will ask him to continue: the way he is managing things in maturity and sincerity. Forgiveness has been part of his reign. He has accepted to bring everybody closer. If there is anything wrong, I will be the first person to draw his attention.”

“I will urge him to continue as a father in this position. It will not always be sweet. Sometimes it will be bitter but you have to swallow everything that comes your way.”

He also expressed his appreciation for the gifts.

Members of Delegation

The delegation was led by the Paramount Chief of the Zangbalin Traditional Area, Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama to the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

It included the Chief of Pishigu Traditional Area, Alhassan Andani, the Ashanti Regional Dagomba Chief, Alhaji Fuseini Abu and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Gbewa Palace, Nabapra Musah Yakubu.

Conflict

The chieftaincy conflict, somehow deemed political, persisted for seventeen years between the two royal families in the Kingdom after the murder of Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani in 2002.

The institution of several committees failed to bring a satisfactory resolution which would be admitted by the two parties until the institution of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs (CEC) headed by Otumfuo.