The Dagbon Traditional Council has formally informed Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of the passing of Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II.

The delegation, led by Nanton Naa Bawa, described the relationship between the Dagbon and Asante kingdoms as one of Ghana’s most historic traditional alliances and said the announcement was delivered personally in recognition of the bond between the two institutions.

Nanton Naa Bawa informed the Asantehene that Yaa Naa Abukari II passed away on July 11, 2026, and was buried in the early hours of July 13 at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, in line with Islamic tradition.

He said the late overlord held Otumfuo and the Asante Kingdom in high regard, noting that Yaa Naa Abukari II believed unity among Ghana’s traditional leaders was crucial to national peace and development.

The Dagbon Traditional Council has scheduled a seventh-day prayer in honour of the late Yaa Naa for July 24, followed by the installation of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, the eldest son of the deceased overlord, as Regent on July 31. The Asantehene has been invited to both ceremonies.

Paying tribute to the late traditional leader, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised his humility, wisdom and contribution to restoring peace and stability in Dagbon, describing his reign as a fulfilment of a divine responsibility.

“He was there to set the records straight. I still remember when he was coming for the meetings. He never showed any sign of being an heir. He was with them quietly and never uttered a word when we were going through the deliberations,” the Asantehene said.

Otumfuo recalled that Yaa Naa Abukari II was accepted by the people of Dagbon after his selection and credited him with helping to strengthen peace and order within the Kingdom.

“This is the man that had been assigned by Allah and our forefathers to come and streamline Dagbon custom, and he did it. It is in his honour that we now have peace,” he added.

The Asantehene urged the Dagbon Traditional Council and people of Dagbon to preserve the customs and traditions upheld by the late overlord, warning against attempts to disrupt the constitutional, traditional and customary order of succession.

“Let no one in Dagbon try to usurp the constitutional order, traditional order, or the customary order as have been laid down so that we all live in peace and harmony in his honour,” Otumfuo cautioned.