The Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari Gariba II, has reportedly died after a brief illness while receiving medical treatment in South Africa.
His passing was confirmed through communication from the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, bringing to an end a reign that was largely characterised by efforts to promote peace and unity within the Dagbon Kingdom.
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In accordance with the customs and traditions of Dagbon, a Regent has since been enskinned to oversee the affairs of the kingdom and supervise the performance of the late King’s funeral rites pending the selection and announcement of a successor.
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Following news of his passing, a traditional ceremony was held on Sunday night to install the Regent before an official announcement by the Dagbon Traditional Council.
Sources indicate that arrangements are underway to transport the late King’s body from South Africa to Ghana, with traditional funeral rites expected to commence in Yendi on Monday, July 13, 2026.
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Born in 1939 in Yendi, Yaa Naa Abukari II was the second child of Queen Duhili Ayishetu, daughter of Kulunkpe-Naa Abukari. He was the son of Ya-Naa Mahama II, grandson of Ya-Naa Andani II, and the paternal uncle of the late Ya-Naa Yakubu II.
Before ascending the Dagbon skin in January 2019, he served as the Paramount Chief of Savelugu, having previously occupied the skin of Kponkpano, a community near Yendi.
Outside his traditional leadership, the late Yaa Naa was widely respected as a dedicated farmer. Having engaged in farming since the 1960s, he was known for his expertise in bullock ploughing and was also recognised as a skilled horseman, reflecting the rich traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom.
As Overlord, his authority extended across a significant portion of the Northern Region, where numerous paramount, divisional and sub-chiefs owed allegiance to the Dagbon skin. He also served as the custodian of the kingdom’s lands and customs, supervising the installation of chiefs in communities where vacancies arose.
Although he reigned for just over seven years, his leadership was marked by efforts to strengthen reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among members of the various Dagbon royal gates following years of conflict.
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One of the defining moments of his reign came in February 2025, when he paid a historic royal visit to the King of Gonjaland, reaffirming the longstanding relationship between the two traditional kingdoms and promoting unity across northern Ghana.
The Dagbon Kingdom, established in the 15th century, is regarded as one of Ghana’s oldest and most influential traditional states. The passing of Yaa Naa Abukari II therefore marks a significant moment in the history of Dagbon and Ghana’s traditional leadership.
