The Next Yaa Naa King Of The Dagbon Kingdom -Time For The Abudu Royal Gate Mion Lana Or Kar Naa
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We would be looking at the Kingdom of Dagbon brief history ,Chieftaincy gates or houses, historical foreign involvement in the kingdom chieftaincy affairs, a brief on chieftaincy gates that qualifies one to the accession to Yani, brief on the two qualified chiefs of the Abudu royal gate per the Supreme court ruling of the matter
The passing of Ya-Na Abukari II has renewed public interest in the rich history of the Dagbon Kingdom, one of Ghana's oldest and most influential traditional states. Founded in the 15th century, Dagbon has been ruled by a long line of monarchs known as the Yaa Naa, whose leadership has shaped the political, cultural and social development of northern Ghana for centuries.The Dagbon Kingdom has been ruled by a long line of Yaa Naas for more than 600 years, beginning with Yaa Naa Nyagse, who is recognized as the kingdom's first ruler. Several monarchs played pivotal roles in shaping Dagbon's history, including Yaa Naa Zangina, who strengthened the kingdom and promoted Islam, and Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II, whose death in 2002 deepened the Dagbon chieftaincy conflict.The late Ya-Na Abukari II, who ruled from 2019 to 2026, is remembered for restoring peace, promoting unity and overseeing key development projects, while his eldest son now serves as Regent pending the selection of a new Yaa Naa.
The Dagbon kingdom was formed when Naa Gbewaa and his descendants unified the Dagomba and related peoples who were ruled by decentralize chieftains known as Tindaamba.The antecedents of the Dagomba prior to Gbewaa's consolidation remain largely elusive, paralleled by the ambiguous origins of the Gbewaa lineage. Presently, governance within Dagbon entails a coalescence of authority between the Tindaamba and chiefs.The history of Dagbon is complex and misconceptions often arise regarding the Dagomba's origins, erroneously positing external origins. While lineage of chiefs are external, historical evidence affirms the presence and integral role of both the Tindaamba and the general Dagomba populace within the fabric of Dagbon society, prior to Gbewaa.
During the kingdom's rise, it established Ghana's oldest learning institution, the University of Moliyili, as a centre for learning and craftsmanship, pioneered a writing system, and established centres of healing for the sick, similar to modern hospitals.
Dagbon is one of the few kingdoms in Africa where certain chieftaincy titles are reserved for women. They rule and ascend to their position of chieftaincy with male subjects, and own legal royal lands. The contribution of its women is prominent as it has given birth to Ghana's first female minister, and Africa's first female cabinet minister. Historically, its noble daughter, Yennenga known in Dagbani as Yɛmtɔri is regarded as the "mother" of the Mossi kingdoms due to marrying a man named Ouadrago, a people who constitute nearly half of the nation of Burkina Faso. The Gundo Naa is the head of all female chiefs, and Zosimli Naa forges friendships, collaborations, and friendships.
Naa Gbewaa lineage traces back to Tohazhie, the Red (fair-skinned) Hunter. These histories narrate the story of Tohazhie, who left Tunga, east of Lake Chad, with a small band of cavalry men into Zamfara, present-day Nigeria, before moving on to Mali. Tohazhie married the daughter of the king of Mali, Pag Wabiga, and fathered a son, Kpoginumbo(Ʒinani).
After serving briefly in Mali, Kpogonumbo and his followers came into conflict with the rising Songhay Empire in western Africa, and reprisal attacks from the Songhay forced Kpogonumbo and his followers southward. Kpogonumbo then seized power and ruled over Biun in Gurma. His son, Naa Gbewaa (or Bawa), left Biun with some of his followers to settle at Pusiga in the northeastern corner of Ghana, where he ruled until he became blind. His grave is located at Pusiga in the Upper East Region. Naa Gbewaa's son, Zirili, succeeded him. Not much is known of Zirili. His younger brothers–Tohagu, Shitobu and Gmantambo–each of them travelled outward eventually expanding the borders of the Dagbon Kingdoms. Naa Gbewaa remains in the histories of the kingdoms of Dagbon and the kingdoms of the Mamprugu and Nanumba, as their first king, founding their ruling dynasties through these sons.
Reign of Naa Gbewaa
Gbewaa established Dagbon in present-day northern Ghana, unifying small decentralised states headed by the Tindaamba. He was resident in Pusiga. Unlike his predecessors who were migratory, Gbewaa established a stable kingdom and a reign marked by stability and prosperity.
Gbewaa fathered the following children: Naa Ʒirli (Zirile), eldest son of Naa Gbewaa, Fɔɣu, preferred successor of Naa Gbewaa, Naa Shitɔbu, father of Yaa Naa Nyagse, Mamprugulana Tohigu, founded Gmamprugu, Bimbila-Naa Ŋmantambu, founded Nanung, Salagalana Kayilkuna, ruled over Salaga, Kuɣa-Naa Shibee Kpɛma, Karaga-Naa Beemoni, ruled over Karaga, Sunson-Naa Buɣyilgu, ruled over Sunsong,Sanglana Shibee Bila, ruled over Sang, in Eastern Dagbon, Nyensung Yaambana, Savelugu-Naa Yenyoo, ruled over Savelugu, Nanton-Naa Baatanga, ruled over Nanton, Yamolkaragalana Kayetuli, ruled over Yemokaraga,Bohinsan Zugulana, Zantanlana Yirigitundi, ruled over Zantaani in Western Dagbon, now under Tolon District, Zoggolana Sungburi, ruled over Zoggu, Nyingaa Ʒibie, Kpuɣli Kungoo, Gundo-Naa Kachaɣu, eldest daughter, became the first Gundo Naa. The Gundo Naa title is reserved for only females.Yemtori (Yennenga), beloved daughter, travelled northward and married Rialle. Their son, Ouedraogo founded the Mossi Kingdoms.
After Gbewaa's death, his children led by his son Shitobu settled briefly at the town of Gambaga before moving south to Namburugu, near Karaga, where he resided. The king became known as Yaa Naa, meaning "king of strength/power". As Sitobu moved south, he unified indigenous Dagombas, Konkomba, Nafeba, Basare and Chamba, who did not have centralised political structures, except for the office of the tindana–the earth priest. The tindana presided over ritual ceremonies and acted as a mediator between the people and the gods of the land. Sitobu's son, Naa Nyaɣsi (r. 1416–1432) succeeded him and embarked on a war of expansion, overthrowing many of the Tindaamba and holding sway over the indigenous people. Naa Nyagsi established his capital at Yani Dabari, located in the area of Diyali, near Tamale, and developed a stable political organization by installing his sons, brothers and uncles as rulers over the conquered people. The surviving tindaamba continued to function as earth priests.
The Kudus Research and Advocacy Center looked into the Royal houses: There are two main houses among the royals of Dagbon. These are the House of Abudu and the House of Andani. The royals of Dagbon are skilled in statecraft, lobbying, and royal politics. The just-passed Yaa Naa is a member of the House of Andani, and the leader of his military wing, the Tolon Naa, is from the Abudu House. Royals in Dagbon compete intensely for chieftaincy titles but work collaboratively after ascensions.
Kudus Research and Advocacy Center looked into European conquest and Involvement of the Kingdom of Dagbon:In the late 19th century, the Germans were expanding from the East, the British from the South, and the French from the North and East. The Germans invaded Dagbon in 1896. After the German invasion of Eastern Dagbon at the Battle of Adibo, Eastern Dagbon fell to the Germans. The centuries-old Gbewaa Palace was burnt. Eastern Dagbon became part of German Togoland and Western Dagbon became part of the British Gold Coast as a protectorate, not a colony. The British presence prevented further German attacks into Western Dagbon. Following World War I, eastern Dagbon became part of British Togoland. The Gold Coast achieved independence in 1957 and became Ghana. The result of British and German imperialism was the loss of its traditional artifacts, way of life and a divided Kingdom whose wounds would not completely heal till the second decade of the 21st century.The division of Dagbon by the Germans and British without regard to the peoples history brought several challenges, mainly in its traditional leadership. The Kingdom since around the 1920s has been characterized by repeated succession disputes and conflict mainly from British and German Imperial interference in Dagbon's succession. Today, the king of Dagbon's court remains at the city of Yendi. The kingdom is divided into territorial chiefdoms, categorized from divisional to village chieftaincies. The monarch of Dagbon is known as the Yaa Naa.
The capital of Dagbon was relocated from Yani Dabari (Ruins of Yani), near Diare, to current Yani (Yendi) in the east because of the invasion of the Gonja people. Gonja attacks in Western Dagbon (Tomo), especially at Daboya dealt a lot of damage to the Dagomba people. Naa Luro, though victorious over the Gonja in a later battle, could not stand the sustained warfare and relocated the capital to Yendi. The Gonja followed eastward Naa Zanjina finally halted the Gonja attacks when he decisively defeated them and killed their chief, Kumpatia, at Sang near Yendi.Naa Zanjina not only is reputed to be the first Muslim ruler of the Dagbon, but is also credited with encouraging trade. With the relocation of the capital to Yendi and the return of peace, a Muslim community emerged at the Yaa Naa's palace at Yendi. The Dyula, of Mande origin, led by Sabali-Yarna, and the Hausa Muslims, led by the Kamshe Naa, bolstered Islamic influence in the kingdom. Beginning with the Sabali-Yarna, and later the Kamshe Naa, these people became responsible for the Yaa Naa's protective prayers. At the Yaa Naa's palace, Muslim titles, a sign of the integration of Muslim elders into the political structure, included the Walgu Naa, who made sure that the Yaa Naa had his portion to "Drink the Qur'an"; the Nayil Liman, the imam of the Yaa Naa, and the Yidan Kambala, were also credited with the imamship. The extension of trade with the Dyula, and later with the Hausa, linked the Dagbon state with neighbouring kingdoms, like the Fezzan, Egypt, and the Bight of Benin. By 1788, Yendi was said to be bigger than Kumasi and Salaga.It was culturally closer to, and was the result of, other Sahelian kingdoms, especially to the Mossi Kingdoms, Mali Empire, Songhai Empire, and Hausa Bakwai, with which Dagbon were major trading partners for salt, kola nuts.
Dagbon as a British and German protectorate (1896–1957)
Dagbon resisted colonization as it had a well organized and powerful army. It was a protectorate, not a colony, allowing chiefs in the Kingdom to have independence other chiefs in Southern Ghana did not have. In 1888, Dagbon became part of a neutral zone called Salaga Area, stretching from Yeji to Yendi, that was established to forestall conflict between the Germans and the British. Dagbon had to fight the Germans to the East, resist the British to the West and South, and the French were to the North. The Germans failed to capture Dagbon after multiple attempts. After the Battle of Adibo, Yendi, the capital of Dagbon was deserted. The Gbewaa Palace was burnt and Eastern Dagbon came under German control. Western Dagbon ultimately came under British control. Yendi, where the Yaa Naa resided, came under German control, separating the Yaa Naa from his people in the west.
First German expedition in 1896
Graveyard of German invaders at Adibo, near Yendi. Dagbon ultimately won the long war for its right to freely exist.From the point of view of German colonialists, the influential Yaan Naa Andani II had disturbed the trade route from the coast to Sansanné-Mangu, a German colonial station in the hinterland. Naa Andani, however, had already told German colonial administrator Hans Gruner beforehand that he believed that "it is the white man who makes the roads unsafe".
In 1896, the Germans led by Valentin von Massow, Hans Gruner and Gaston Thierry clashed with the Dagomba at the Battle of Adibo, destroyed Yendi and made away with valuables. It was a massacre, as the 7,000-man, poorly equipped Dagomba army merely rushed with their bows and arrows at the 100-man well-armed German army.[55] In 1899 the British and the Germans split Dagbon between German Togoland and the Gold Coast.
Second German expedition in 1900
After the death of Yaa Na Andani II in August 1899, disputes over succession to the Dagbon throne were ongoing: Andani's eldest son aspired to become Na of Savelugu and had asked the Dagomba elders to promote the current Savelugu Na to supreme Yaa Naa. However, this suggestion was met with disagreement from Alasan, Na of Karaga, who claimed the throne for himself. German colonial governor August Köhler himself supported Alasan's claim and, in late March 1900, called for a military expedition who was then led by the colonial administrator in Sansanné-Mangu, Friedrich Rigler. The latter led his troops to Yendi on 5 April 1900 but found the town deserted. Meanwhile, Na Andani's eldest son Idi had moved with his retinue to Sang in the Gold Coast colony and gathered up with those who had fled Yendi. These Dagomba thought they were protected from the Germans, but Rigler still attacked them in British territory on 7 April. The German troops killed at least 83 people in the battle, including Andani's son. After coming back to Yendi, Rigler appointed Alasan as the new Yaa Naa of Dagbon.
British colonial rule
Following World War I, eastern Dagbon became part of the British-administered mandated territories established by the League of Nations and reunited with the west, allowing the Yaa Naa to resume control of his people.The British implemented indirect rule, in which Dagomba chiefs administered local government. The British largely neglected the economic development of Dagbon. To pay the head tax the British imposed, Dagomba had to migrate to the southern Gold Coast to work in mines and on cocoa plantations.The Kingdom of Dagbon enjoyed a distinct constitutional position before it became part of the British Togoland.
Up to date the foreign involvements and interest cant be denied despite not too clear like the first direct involvements but indirectly as now the United State of America, Russia Europeans - Italy and even the Arab world including Iran Saudi Arabia Turkey among others have interest in the Kingdom of Dagbon, the Americans are more allied to the Abudu House through the German whiles the Andani’s more allied to the Russians through the British because it was the Russians who helped the British defeated the Nazi German in World War II that’s evident in the administrative capital of Tamale where Russian bungalows built close to the regional administrative office where the British hoped could deter the German controlled Dagbon in the eastern part of Dagbon from capturing the west history suggest for the fear of the Russian involvement we conquered Europe at that time, but that’s not our interest
Today, the Yaa Naa's court remains at Yendi. The kingdom is divided into territorial chiefdoms, categorized from divisional to village chieftaincies. Certain chieftaincies, such as Karaga, Savelugu and Mion, are reserved for the sons of the former Yaa Naa, and their occupancy qualifies one to test for the Namship, or head chiefdom, at Yendi. Lesser chieftaincies are reserved for grandsons. Succession to the Nam has always rotated among the three royal houses namely Andani Yili, Aburi Yili and Mahami Yili, now reduced to two–the Andani and the Abudu.
Over the past century, the Dagomba have faced repeated succession disputes. Following the death of Yaa-Na Mahama II in 1954, a succession dispute arose and the federal government sent troops to Yendi and intervened. In March 2002, Ya Naa Yakubu Andani II, from the Andani House, was murdered together with forty-two of his elders in a war by supporters of the Abudu House.After eight years, on 10 April 2010, around thirty to forty people were arrested for the murder in Yendi and parts of Accra in preparation for prosecution.
On 16 November 2018, a Mediation Committee that consisted of three Eminent Chiefs finalized its plan to resolve the conflict in Dagbon. The two Houses agreed to the Committees proposal that the Abudu Royal family perform the funeral rites of the late Yaa Naa Mahamadu Abdulai from 14 to 28 December 2018. Next was to be the funeral of the late Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II, from 4–19 January 2019. Both obsequies took place at the old Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
Kudus Research and Advocacy Center looked into historically Ya-Nas who have ever ascend to the throne to date. For over five centuries, the Dagbon kingdom in northern Ghana has been ruled by a succession of powerful overlords known as Ya-Nas a Dagbani title meaning "king of strength" or "king of power." Headquartered in Yendi, the kingdom is one of West Africa's most enduring traditional states, founded in the 15th century and governed through a rotational succession system between two royal gates. Here is the complete chronological list of every known king of Dagbon in chronological order.
1. Naa Nyagsi (c. 1500) Widely recognized as the first Ya-Na, Naa Nyagsi was the son of Sitobu and grandson of the legendary Naa Gbewaa — the founding ancestor of the Dagbon dynasty. He established the kingdom's capital at Yendi Dabari and expanded Dagbon's territory eastward through conquest, formally laying the foundations of the kingdom's political and military structure.
2. Zulande (c. 1530) Son of Naa Nyagsi, Zulande continued his father's work of consolidating the fledgling Dagbon state. His reign saw the continuation of territorial expansion across the savanna lands of what is now northern Ghana.
3. Nagalogu (c. 1560) Son of Zulande, Nagalogu reigned during a period of internal consolidation as the kingdom worked to hold together the various chieftaincies brought under its authority during the founding generations
4. Datorli (c. 1590) Also a son of Zulande and a grandson of the founder Naa Nyagsi, Datorli oversaw further military expansion, including pushes eastward toward Konkomba territories, establishing outposts at Nakpali and Zabzugu.
5. Buruguyomda (c. 1620) Another son of Zulande, Buruguyomda's reign represented the continued dominance of the founding lineage as Dagbon grew into a structured kingdom spanning approximately 20,000 square kilometres.
6. Zoligu (c. 1650) Son of Datorli, Zoligu's reign marked a significant turning point in Dagbon's governance. He formalised elder chiefdoms and initiated what became known as the long Zoligu dynasty line, a defining era in the kingdom's political history.
7. Zonman (c. 1660) Son of Zoligu, Zonman reigned during a period of relative internal order as the kingdom managed its divisional chieftaincy structure across a vast territory.
8. Ninmitoni (c. 1670) Also a son of Zoligu, Ninmitoni's brief reign continued the pattern of familial succession that characterized the early Dagbon state
9. Dimani (c. 1680) Son of Zoligu, Dimani reigned as Dagbon maintained its grip over the northern savanna region through a combination of military authority and traditional governance structures.
10. Yanzo (c. 1690) Another son of Zoligu, Yanzo's reign closed out the 17th century as Dagbon navigated the external threats beginning to emerge from neighbouring powers such as Gonja.
11. Dariziegu (c. 1700) Son of Zonman, Dariziegu's reign ended dramatically — he was killed in battle by Gonja forces under Sumaila Jakpa, marking one of Dagbon's most painful early military defeats and prompting a major strategic rethink about the kingdom's defences.
12. Luro (c. 1710) Son of Zoligu, Luro responded to Dagbon's vulnerability by relocating the capital to what is now modern Yendi, a more defensible position, to counter ongoing Gonja incursions. His reign also saw early ties to Muslim influencers like Yidan Kambara, signalling the beginning of Islamic influence in the kingdom.
13. Tutugri (c. 1720) Son of Luro, Tutugri's reign continued the period of consolidation in the newly positioned capital, as Dagbon worked to rebuild and reorganise after the losses inflicted by Gonja forces.
14. Zagale (c. 1730) Also a son of Luro, Zagale reigned during a period when the kingdom's court at Yendi was gradually becoming more established as the political and cultural centre of Dagbon.
15. Zokuli (c. 1740) Son of Luro, Zokuli's reign coincided with a broader era of West African state competition, as neighbouring kingdoms like the Mossi states and Gonja continued to exert pressure on Dagbon's borders.
16. Gungobili (c. 1750) Son of Tutugri, Gungobili reigned during the mid-18th century as Dagbon's political structures continued to mature under the custodianship of court historians known as the Lunsi, who preserved the kingdom's oral histories through drum music.
17. Zangina (c. 1760) Son of Tutugri and listed as the 16th Ya-Na in some genealogies, Zangina's reign was one of the most historically significant of the early period. He expelled Gonja invaders and, through arbitration facilitated by the Nayiri of Mamprugu, presided over the formal introduction of Islam into Dagbon — a pivotal cultural and religious turning point for the kingdom.
18. Andani Sigili (c. 1780) Son of Zagale, Andani Sigili defeated the Gonja leader Kumpati with the help of the Yo-Na and stabilised the court at Yendi. His reign closed out the 18th century with Dagbon on firmer military and political footing than it had been for decades.
The 19th Century (1797 – 1899)
19. Andani Jɛŋgbarga (1797–1802) The first ruler of the 19th century, Andani Jɛŋgbarga reigned at a time of growing external pressure from regional trade dynamics and the early movements of European powers on the African continent.
20. Mahami (1802–1820) Mahami's relatively long reign of nearly two decades came during a period of early 19th-century shifts in northern Ghana's political landscape, as Sahelian trade networks continued to shape Dagbon's economic relationships.
21. Ziblim Kulunku (1820–1827) A brief but recorded reign, Ziblim Kulunku governed during a period of mounting internal pressures as the royal lineages that would later define the Abudu and Andani gates began to grow and diverge.
22. Simaani Zoli (1827–1832) Simaani Zoli's short tenure placed him in the middle of a century that would be defined by increasingly frequent succession challenges and growing competition among the expanding pool of royal princes descended from Naa Gbewaa.
23. Yakubu I (1832–1864) The longest-reigning Ya-Na of the 19th century, Yakubu I governed for over three decades and is historically significant as the father of the two princes — Abudulai and Andani — whose descendants would form the two gates that still define Dagbon's succession system today. His reign was one of relative stability in a century marked by turbulence.
24. Abilaai Naɣbiɛɣu (1864–1876) An Abudu gate ruler, Abilaai Naɣbiɣu reigned during the period when the rivalry between the two royal gates was crystallizing into a formal — if contested — rotational system. His reign also coincided with Dagbon employing Zabarima raiders for slave expeditions, which further strained internal cohesion.
25. Andani Naanigoo (1876–1899) An Andani gate ruler, Andani Naanigoo presided over Dagbon's final years before European colonial partition. His extended reign of over two decades saw the kingdom navigate early contacts with European powers, until the British and German partition of Dagbon's territory in 1899 fundamentally changed the kingdom's political reality.
The Colonial And Post-Colonial Era (1900 – 2025)
26. Alhassan (1900–1917) After German colonial authorities deposed the Andani-aligned Yo-Na Darimani — who had initially been enskinned following Andani Naanigoo's death — they installed Alhassan of the Abudu gate, who ruled through the First World War era. His rule under German and later British oversight demonstrated how colonial powers directly shaped the dynamics of Dagbon succession.
27. Abudulai II (1920–1938) Enskinned following the 1919 reunification of the German-partitioned Dagbon territories under British mandate, Abudulai II was a pivotal ruler who consolidated authority over a kingdom that had been divided between two European powers for nearly two decades. His reign saw the formalization of the Dagomba Native Authority under British indirect rule.
28. Mahama II (1938–1948) Mahama II succeeded during a period of accelerating colonial reform, including early shifts toward formalised kingmaker selection committees. His reign coincided with the 1948 Dagomba Traditional Council resolution that expanded the electoral college to an 11-member body.
29. Alhassan (1948–1953) A brief reign during a critical transitional period, as Ghana moved rapidly toward independence and colonial local government reforms began reducing the administrative powers of traditional chiefs across the country.
30. Abudulai III (1953–1967) Abudulai III oversaw Dagbon during the final years of British colonial rule and Ghana's independence in 1957. His death in 1967 sparked a major succession dispute over the proper rites and protocols to follow, deepening the fault lines between the Abudu and Andani gates.
31. Mahamadu Abudulai IV (1969–1974, disputed) Enskinned on September 12, 1969, by the National Liberation Council amid gate rivalry, Mahamadu Abudulai IV's claim to the throne was invalidated by a 1974 government white paper on the grounds that prior funeral rites had not been properly conducted. The ensuing violence claimed 23 lives. He died in 1986, but his funeral was deliberately delayed until December 2018 as part of the negotiated resolution of the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis.
32. Yakubu Andani II (May 31, 1974 – March 25, 2002) Enskinned following the 1974 government white paper that affirmed his legitimacy, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II was the longest-serving modern Ya-Na. His reign of nearly 28 years ended in tragedy when he was assassinated on March 27, 2002, during clashes between Abudu and Andani factions at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. Approximately 30 people were killed in the violence. His murder left the Dagbon throne vacant for over 16 years — the longest interregnum in the kingdom's modern history.
33. Abukari Mahama II (January 27, 2019 – July 2026) Following the completion of funeral rites for both Mahamadu Abudulai IV and Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II in 2018 — a process mediated by a Committee of Eminent Chiefs chaired by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and supported by President Nana Akufo-Addo — kingmakers selected Abukari Mahama II of the Andani gate on January 18, 2019. He was publicly outdoored as Ya-Na on January 25, 2019, at Jubilee Park in Yendi, restoring the throne after 17 years of vacancy.
Kudus Research and Advocacy Center then asked Who then becomes the 34th Yaa Naa of the Kingdom of Dagbon first we looked into the The traditional head of the kingmakers of the Dagbon Kingdom is the Kuga Naa, who works alongside other senior elders and chiefs to perform the customary rites and select a new Yaa-Na (Overlord). Key Kingmakers of Dagbon includes Kuga Naa: The supreme head and spiritual custodian of the kingmakers who officially proclaims the passing of a Yaa-Na and oversees the installation process.Gushie Naa: A prominent paramount chief and principal kingmaker.Zohe-Naa: Traditional elder and member of the kingmaking body.Tugri Nam: Customary official involved in the spiritual and consultative selection process.Gomli / Gagbindana: Traditional officeholders who assist in consulting oracles and executing ancestral rites during successions.
Kudus Research And Advocacy Center again looked at who qualifies to become the King of Dagbon per the supreme court ruling and government white paper regarding the ascension to Yani, three chieftaincy that’s Savelugu chief known as Yoo Naa, Mion chief known as Mion Lana, Karaga Chief known as Kar Naa anyone occupying these chieftaincy titles qualifies, but because of the two gates rotation issues between the Abudu's and Andani’s. if an Andani is occupying the Yaa Naa then two of skin gates must be given to Abudu royal gates as it happened when the just passed Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama Gariba II was from the Andani royal gate the Mion lana and Kar Naa were given to the Abudu royal gates while Yoo Naa was given to the Andani who was then the regent of Dagbon and Andani royal gate satisfying the conditions that was set by Supreme Court and Traditional Council of the Dagbon Kingdom. Most importantly the document made it clear also that no regent can become or directly ascend the throne without first becoming a sub chief in these three chieftaincy that’s Yoo Naa Kar Naa Mion Lana making the current regent Kampakuya Naa Yakubu illegible. But the enskinment of the first son of the deceased Yaa Naa Gariba II as Kampakuya Naa Yakubu who would serve as a caretaker of the Dagbon throne and also he is expected to work closely with Dagbon Traditional Council and Kingmakers to supervised the funeral rites of the late Overlord, preserve peace and stability and ensure the smooth administration of the kingdom during the transition
Kudus Research and Advocacy Center also looked into a brief about the two Chiefs competing for the ascension to the throne that’s Mion Lana Alhassan II and Kar-Naa Naa Abdulai Naatogma.
Naa Alhassan Mahama, now bearing the title Mion Lana Alhassan II, was enskinned at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on June 3, 2025, A retired agricultural officer with extensive experience across various districts, Mion Lana Alhassan II brings to the chieftaincy institution decades of public service and dedication to agricultural development.His academic journey began at the Yendi Primary School in 1960, after which he attended the Naa Yaakuba Middle School in 1967, and then the Yendi Secondary School in 1970.After completing his secondary education, he worked as a pupil teacher in 1976 before joining the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1978 as a Plant Quarantine Officer.In 1988, he was admitted to the Agricultural College in Nyankpala, where he obtained a diploma in agriculture. He was posted to Gambaga upon completion in 1990 and later transferred to Bunkpurugu in 1999, where he served until his retirement on February 1, 2013.Agriculture & Forestry.Throughout his public service career, Mion Lana Alhassan II distinguished himself with dedication and professionalism, particularly in the area of plant protection and regulatory services.His deep-rooted background in agriculture and governance is seen as an asset for the community, as it seeks to address contemporary development challenges.Mion Lana Alhassan II, who was born in Yendi in January 1952, is the fourth son of the late Ya-Na Mahama Bla, who ruled Dagbon from 1948 to 1953.
Naa Abdulai Naatogma (also known as Abdulai Natogmah) is the Karaga Naa (Kar-Naa) enskinned by the late Overlord of Dagbon in 2020, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II. Karaga Naa (Paramount Chief of the Karaga Traditional Area). Enskinner: The late Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II. He is a son of the former Yaa Naa Abdulai Bila from the Abudu royal gate.The Karaga skin is one of the three crucial traditional gate-skins (alongside Savelugu and Mion) whose occupants are eligible to ascend the Yendi skin as the Yaa Naa, he ahs served on the governing board of the Northern Development Authority (NDA)
Kudus Research And Advocacy recommends that the needed resources and funding needed to make sure that the funeral rites of the late Overlord be provided tentative and reasonable scheduled made probably within three months to prevent the regent over stays and vacant of leadership in the powerful Kingdom the government of the day philanthropist foreign interest among others should get involve in making sure that Dagbon get a new King within the shortest possible time and most importantly the legal gate the right person who the kingmakers would chose accepted by all. For our interest in this is peaceful transition as the Kingdom is noted for ascension disputes which at a long run affects development issues not only in the Kingdom but Ghana at large.
Kudus Research and Advocacy Center concludes by thanking all who contributed in diverse ways in achievement of peace in Dagbon and call on the Dagbon Traditional Council and the Kingmakers to team up with major stakeholders in Dagbon Ghana and the world at large to do the needful without hesitation and waste of time to smoothly and peacefully transit Dagbon as its gradually regaining back its lost glory. Dagbon to the world!!! long live Dagbon!!! long live Yani!!! God Bless the next King!!!
We are not perfect for history have different perspective and hence as an organization we stand for correction on any part of this piece.Thank You for your attention on this matter.