New Regent Pledges Continuity, Respect for Rotational Succession
The newly outdoored Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, has pledged to safeguard the legacy of his late father, Ya‑Na Abukari Mahama II, by protecting the peace, unity and reconciliation that have defined Dagbon in recent years.
He made the commitment during his maiden address at his installation ceremony in Yendi on Friday, July 31, following the passing of the Overlord on July 11, 2026.
The historic event drew thousands of mourners, chiefs, royals, dignitaries and well‑wishers, including President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice President and 2028 NPP presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, among others.
Delivering the Regent’s speech on his behalf, Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama said Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari was committed to preserving the structures, relationships and reconciliation efforts built by his father.
“I will not destroy what my father built. Not one bridge he constructed will be destroyed under my watch. Not one
The Regent reaffirmed his dedication to the rotational chieftaincy succession system between the Andani and Abudu gates, describing it as a pillar of Dagbon’s long‑term stability.
He praised his late father for honouring the arrangement throughout his reign, noting that Ya‑Na Abukari Mahama II demonstrated statesmanship by prioritising unity over factional interests.
“I walk in his footsteps. The rotational plan will be respected, and when the time comes for the new king and Overlord, the process will follow the agreed path — transparently, faithfully and in accordance with tradition and the peace compact,” he said.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari cautioned against attempts to exploit the transition period for factional advantage, urging chiefs, elders, royal families and community leaders to remain united in protecting Dagbon’s peace.
He also pledged to continue the development initiatives championed by his father and maintain relationships with government, international partners, corporate institutions and neighbouring kingdoms.
The Regent expressed profound gratitude to President Mahama for his longstanding support to the late Ya‑Na, especially during his final days.
“Your personal support for my father long before he became king, and especially in his final days — your gracious role in returning him home with dignity — is a debt our family and Dagbon can never fully repay,” he said.
The installation featured traditional drumming, ceremonial musket firing, and cultural displays by local warriors. Islamic prayers were offered for the late Ya‑Na, while customary rites were performed behind closed doors before the public outdooring.
Security was heightened, with over 600 personnel deployed across Yendi to ensure a peaceful ceremony.
The installation of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari marks a major milestone in Dagbon’s succession process and sets the stage for the performance of the late Ya‑Na’s final funeral rites before the selection and enskinment of a new Overlord.