The kingmakers of the Dagbon Kingdom have enskinned the eldest son of the late Ya-Na Abukari II as Regent to oversee the affairs of the kingdom during the transition period leading to the selection of a new Overlord.

The Regent, who has assumed the skin name Kampakuya Naa Yakubu, will serve as the traditional caretaker of the Dagbon throne in line with the customs and traditions of the kingdom until a new Ya-Na is chosen and enskinned through the established succession process.

In keeping with Dagbon tradition, the title of Kampakuya Naa is reserved for the first son of a deceased Ya-Na. As Regent, he is expected to work closely with the Dagbon Traditional Council and kingmakers to supervise the funeral rites of the late Overlord, preserve peace and stability, and ensure the smooth administration of the kingdom during the transition.

The enskinment marks a key milestone in the customary succession process as preparations continue for the final funeral rites of Ya-Na Abukari II and the eventual installation of his successor.

The ceremony, held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi in the Northern Region, attracted a large gathering of chiefs, government officials, politicians, religious leaders and residents from across the country.

Among the dignitaries present were President John Dramani Mahama, New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John, as well as members of the diplomatic community, traditional authorities and representatives of various political parties.

From the early hours of the day, mourners and well-wishers thronged the palace to witness the historic event and honour the memory of the late Ya-Na, whose reign was widely credited with fostering peace, unity and development in Dagbon.

The ceremony combined traditional and Islamic rites, including the symbolic shaving of the Regent’s head, recitations from the Holy Quran and special prayers led by Islamic clerics for the repose of the late Overlord’s soul.

Cultural performances by traditional drummers and dancers also highlighted the rich heritage of the Dagbon Kingdom, with chiefs dressed in colourful regalia reinforcing the significance of the occasion and the enduring authority of the Dagbon monarchy.

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama paid tribute to the late Ya-Na Abukari II, describing him as a unifying traditional ruler whose leadership played a pivotal role in strengthening peace and reconciliation in the kingdom.

He urged the people of Dagbon to safeguard the harmony achieved under the late Overlord and remain united throughout the succession process.

According to the President, Ya-Na Abukari II inherited a kingdom emerging from years of division but successfully promoted reconciliation while championing development in agriculture, healthcare, education, road infrastructure and youth empowerment.

“He was very passionate about agriculture, health, road infrastructure, education, youth development and many others,” President Mahama said, pledging the government’s support for the Regent in advancing the late King’s vision.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also paid glowing tribute to the late Ya-Na, describing him as a father figure whose leadership helped restore lasting peace to Dagbon.

He urged all stakeholders to ensure that the process of selecting the next Overlord remained faithful to the established peace agreement and customary succession arrangements between the Abudu and Andani royal gates.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Paramount Chief of the Zanbalung Traditional Area, Naa Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu pledged to uphold the legacy of peace established by his father.

He reaffirmed his commitment to respecting the rotational succession system agreed upon by the royal families, describing it as the foundation for lasting peace in Dagbon.

“My father demonstrated this wisdom when he enskinned more Abudu chiefs than Andani chiefs during his reign, choosing the peace of the kingdom over gate advantage,” the Regent stated.

He also pledged to continue development initiatives championed by the late Ya-Na, including the Gbewaa Palace construction project, the Dagbon 10-Year Development Plan, the establishment of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Yendi Campus, and partnerships aimed at promoting agriculture and energy development.

Ya-Na Abukari II died in South Africa on July 12, 2026, where he had been receiving medical treatment. His remains were flown to Yendi and buried at Katini, the royal mausoleum, in accordance with Dagbon tradition. Since his burial, the third-day and seventh-day Islamic prayers have been observed as part of the kingdom’s customary and religious funeral rites.