Parliament has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II, describing him as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign strengthened peace, unity and reconciliation in the Dagbon Kingdom.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 14, Parliament extended its deepest condolences to the Gbewaa Palace, the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Royal Family and the people of Dagbon following the death of the 41st Overlord of Dagbon and President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs.

Parliament noted that the late Yaa-Naa ascended the Yendi Skin on January 18, 2019, after a historic peace process that brought an end to years of division between the Abudu and Andani royal gates over the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute.

According to the statement, his enskinment ushered in a period of reconciliation, healing and the restoration of traditional authority in Dagbon.

“His enskinment brought to an end one of Ghana’s most protracted and painful chieftaincy disputes, and under his reign, Dagbon experienced a period widely regarded as one of reconciliation, healing and the restoration of traditional authority,” Parliament stated.

Parliament further described the late King as a true statesman whose leadership exemplified dialogue, unity and reconciliation, adding that his commitment to peace strengthened not only the Dagbon Kingdom but also Ghana’s chieftaincy institution and national cohesion.

The House also urged the people of Dagbon to remain united and honour the late King’s legacy by preserving the peace he championed throughout his reign.

Echoing an appeal by the Gbewaa Palace, Parliament called on mourners to avoid conflict during the period of mourning.

“Let there be no conflict in our grief; let there be no discord in our mourning,” the statement said.

Parliament concluded by praying for strength for the Royal Family, traditional leaders, the people of Dagbon and all Ghanaians mourning the late monarch, while wishing him eternal rest.

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