Otumfuo Informed of Ya-Naa’s Death; Urges Dagbon to Uphold Succession Plan to Preserve Peace
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on the Dagbon Traditional Council to uphold the customs and succession protocols following the passing of Ya-Naa Abukari II, in order to maintain peace in the region.
He stressed the need to resist any attempts to subvert the constitutional, traditional, and customary order established by the late Ya-Naa. “Let no one in Dagbon try to usurp the constitutional order, traditional order, or the customary order as have been laid down, so that we may all live in peace and harmony in his honour,” the Asantehene stated.
His Majesty made the appeal on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, when a delegation from Dagbon visited the Manhyia Palace to formally inform him of the passing of the overlord.
Tribute
Paying tribute to the late Ya-Naa, Otumfuo recalled that he came in to strengthen peace in the Dagbon Kingdom after mediation. “When our forefathers said he was the next one, he was received with joy throughout Dagbon. This is the man who was assigned by Allah and our forefathers to come and streamline Dagbon custom, and he did it. It is in his honour that we now have peace,” Otumfuo said.
He reflected on Ya-Naa Abukari’s quiet but pivotal role in securing peace following the 16-year conflict that plagued Dagbon. The Asantehene noted that the late King participated in mediation sessions at Manhyia to help set the records straight. “I still remember when he was coming for the meetings. He never showed any sign of being an heir. He was with them quietly and never uttered a word when we were going through the deliberations,” he added.
Asante-Dagbon relations
Touching on the relationship between the two kingdoms, Otumfuo remarked, “Anything that goes against Dagbon also affects Asante.”
He assured the delegation of his commitment to honouring the late ruler’s memory at the planned events.
Respect
Presenting the delegation’s mission, Nanton Naa Bawa described the ties between the two kingdoms as one of Ghana’s most historic inter-kingdom relationships. “Ya-Naa Abukari II held Your Royal Majesty and the Asante Kingdom in the highest respect and brotherhood. He saw the unity of Ghana’s traditional leaders as essential to our nation’s peace and development, a conviction he demonstrated throughout his reign,” he said.
