From a horseman, farmer to Ya-Naa; Read about the new overlord of Dagbon

Chiefs, traditional authorities, political figures, and hundreds of people from all walks of life will tomorrow morning gather at the Gbewaa Palace at Yendi in the northern region for the historic coronation of the new overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Naa Abubakari Mahama II.

The performance of the final funeral rites for the two late overlords of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV and Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II, ended last week, and paved the way for the selection and enskinment of the Savelugu chief, Yoo Naa Abubakar Mahama as the new Ya-Naa.

He was on January 18 chosen by the custodians of the Dagbon skin to succeed the late Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani II who was killed in 2002, which triggered unending chieftaincy between the Abudu and Andani royal families for over a decade.

Savelugu chief, Yoo Naa Abubakar is new Ya-Naa
Thanks to the intervention of the Otumfuor-led Committee of Eminent Chiefs, coupled with efforts by the various governments within the last 16 years, peace has finally been restored to Dagbon for the new Ya-Naa to be installed Friday, January 25.

But ahead of his investiture which will be attended by President Nana Akufo-Addo, Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II and Togbe Afede XIV, many have been wondering who the new Ya-Naa is.

3news has been digging the background of the new Ya-Naa Abubakari Mahama II.

Who is he?

Popularly known as Naa Bukari, the new Ya-Naa was born in 1939 at Yendi as the second child of Queen Duhili Ayishetu, daughter of Kulunkpe-Naa Abukari.

He is the son of Ya-Naa Mahama II and a grandson of Ya-Naa Andani II. He is a paternal uncle to late Ya-Naa Yakubu. This made him the Da?-kpema (family head) of the Andani Royal Family.

The new Ya-Naa was first appointed to the Kpunkpuno skin, then to the Gate skin of Savelugu in 2011 from where he rose to the Kingship of Dagbon, known as Yani.

As the Ya-Naa, he appoints all important chiefs in Dagbon, sub-chiefs, sub-divisional and paramount chiefs.

He is the allodia owner of Dagbon land which is 14, 416.5 square killometres in area with a population of about one million people.

Early life, occupation

Naa Bukari first settled in Puriya, a village after Sang on the Yendi road, as a peasant farmer.

He is a successful farmer with great experience and expertise in bullock ploughing. In the 1960, he trained many local farmers in bullock ploughing in the Northern and Upper regions.

He is a skilful horseman.