Address me as ‘Ya-Na Abukari II’ and not ‘Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II’ – Overlord of Dagbon

The Dagbon State has clarified that the King and Overlord of Dagbon should be addressed as “Ya-Na Abukari II” and not “Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II”.

In a press statement dated August 12, 2020, and signed by the Secretary to Ndan Ya-Naa, Abdul-Rahaman Mohammed of the Office of the Ya-Na in the Gbewaa Palace, the palace also sought to clarify the use of photographs of Ya-Na Abukari II by the media.

“The office of the King and Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Ya Abukari II, wish to humbly draw the attention of all Media Houses that, the office has observed with keen interest the constant use of a particular picture of the king anytime they want to carry news relating to Naa Gbewaa’s Palace.”

“According to the Dagbon tradition and customs, the said picture though is that of the King, actually portrayed that the regalia worn indicated that the King was in the process of performing his father’s rites.”

“We wish to use this opportunity to inform all our cherished Media Houses that, the said picture should not be used, according to Dagbon tradition and customs, since he is no more in a state of funeral performance.”

“Also, he should be addressed as Ya-Na Abukari II and not Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.

Before becoming the Overlord of Dagbon, he was the Yo-Na of Savelugu [Paramount Chief of the Savelugu Traditional Area] and was known as Na Alhaji Abukari Mahama.

Ya-Na Abukari II, who, until his selection was the head of the Andani family, succeeded his late nephew, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II who died in March 2002 in Yendi.

Source: @graphic.com.gh