By Albert Futukpor
Yendi (N/R), July 31, GNA – Kampakuya-Na Yakubu Abukari II, the oldest son of the late Ya-Na Abukari II, on Friday assumed the traditional role as Regent of the Dagbon Traditional Area pledging to preserve the peace, unity and development legacy of his late father until a new Ya-Na is enskinned.
His assumption of office followed the performance of sacred traditional rites earlier in the day and his subsequent outdooring at a heavily attended colourful ceremony at the forecourt of the Gbewaa Palace at Yendi.
The ceremony drew a large gathering of dignitaries including President John Dramani Mahama, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and former government officials.
There were also the leadership of political parties including Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of National Democratic Congress, representatives of the National House of Chiefs, traditional leaders from Mamprugu, Gonja, Wala and Nanung, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu amongst other religious leaders, chiefs and people of Dagbon amongst others.
Kampakuya-Na Yakubu II, in his inaugural address, read on his behalf by Zangbalun-Lana Dr Jacob Mahama, the Chief of Zangbalun, pledged that he would not destroy what his father built, saying “I will preserve every bridge of peace and every relationship he nurtured for the benefit of Dagbon.”
He commended the people of Dagbon for their calm and dignified conduct following the passing of the late Ya-Na and said their commitment to peace, unity and patience reflected the values the late Ya-Na had instilled in the kingdom.
He paid glowing tribute to the late Ya-Na describing him as a builder of peace, reconciliation and trust, saying his leadership united communities and strengthened relationships across the kingdom.
Kampakuya-Na Abukari expressed his commitment to the rotational system of succession in Dagbon describing it as the foundation of lasting peace between the Abudu and Andani royal gates.
He assured the gathering that when the time came to enskin a new Ya-Na, the process would strictly follow the agreed customs, traditions and established arrangements.
He cautioned against attempts by any individual or group to exploit the transition period for personal or factional interests, emphasising that the peace and unity of Dagbon would remain paramount.
He appealed to political leaders, traditional authorities, and all stakeholders to support efforts to preserve the harmony that had characterised the kingdom in recent years.
Kampakuya-Na Abukari also pledged to continue the development initiatives championed by the late Ya-Na including the ongoing construction of the Gbewaa Palace, agricultural and economic development programmes, the Yendi Campus of the University for Development Studies and partnerships with government, development partners and corporate institutions.
He further assured the gathering to sustain the cordial relationships established by the late Ya-Na with neighbouring traditional areas.
He expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the support extended to the late Ya-Na throughout his reign and particularly during his final days as well as for ensuring that he was accorded a dignified return home after his death.
President Mahama, paying tribute to the late Ya-Na Abukari II, described him as an exceptional traditional ruler, whose reign was characterised by peace, reconciliation and dedication to the welfare of his people.
He congratulated the Regent on his installation and commended him for his pledge to uphold the traditions and peace of Dagbon above personal interest.
He expressed the government’s commitment to collaborating with the Regent to continue the development of projects initiated during the reign of the late Ya-Na.
He gave assurance that the National Security Council Secretariat would work to ensure the completion of the ongoing construction of the Gbewaa Palace before the enskinment of a new Ya-Na.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also paid tribute to the late Ya-Na and underscored the need for all stakeholders to safeguard the prevailing peace in the Dagbon Traditional Area.
Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, who spoke on behalf of the National House of Chiefs, emphasised need to maintain the prevailing peace in the Dagbon kingdom.
The late Ya-Na Abukari II died on Saturday, July 11 in South Africa after seven years on the skin.
Ya-Na Abukari was enskinned and officially outdoored on January 25, 2019, marking a historic milestone in the resolution of the 17-year Dagbon Chieftaincy conflict.
GNA
Edited by Eric K Amoh/ Christabel Addo
Reporter Albert Futukpor, GNA
Writer’s Email: [email protected]