Heavy security at Bole over Chieftaincy clashes

Military and police personnel have been deployed to the Bole District of the Northern Region over possible chieftaincy clashes.

Tension has been mounting as arrangements are being made to lay to rest the late chief of Bole whose death occurred last week.

The late Bolewura, Awuladesi Pontuprum II, has been described by many as a peace-loving man and leader who believed in the development and contributed his quota to bring development to his people.

His death has created a vacuum which needs to be filled as soon as possible. However, there is tension as to who will take over the affairs of the Bole skin.

According to Bole tradition, the chief to succeed the late chief is to be the chief of Mandari but unfortunately, there are two chiefs at Mandari.

This has brought about increased tension with sympathizers of both chiefs claiming the Bole skin for the one they support.

The final funeral rights have been called off since there is no clear definition of the next in line to occupy the skin.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed, said because of the confusion over the legitimate person to be enskinned, the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) had invited the two potential chiefs.

He said after discussions with them, both parties came to a conclusion that the matter be settled by the judicial sub-committee of the Regional House of Chiefs hence, the halting of the final funeral rights for the late chief.

The REGSEC has therefore decided to suspend all the final arrangements to appoint the Bolewura’s successor.

“We started picking up the early warning signals and so we beefed up security in the area. We have doubled the number of security personnel,” the regional minister stated.

According to him, Gonja land had over the years had issues of chieftaincy where there are two chiefs in a particular community due to misunderstanding. Mr Salifu Saeed indicated that he believed the Yagbonwura would see to it that all such cases were dealt with to prevent possible tribal war or dispute.

He warned that REGSEC would not give room for any individual or group of individuals to deny the people of Bole their peace and security.

In the meantime, the two claimants of the skin and their supporters have agreed to a peaceful transition to ensure the peace of the Bole kingdom.