The Royal Family of Andani has announced the death of His Royal Majesty Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the King of Dagbon, who passed away last night, plunging the Dagbon Kingdom in Northern Ghana into mourning.

In a statement issued to announce the passing, the Royal Family opened with the Islamic declaration of mourning, expressing grief over the loss of a monarch who guided the kingdom through years of peace and unity.

“With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the King of Dagbon who departed this life last night,” the statement read.

Traditional Rites Observed, King Laid to Rest

The Royal Family confirmed that customary funeral rites had already been carried out in line with the sacred traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom, and that the late King had been laid to rest at Katina.

“In accordance with the sacred customs and traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom, all traditional rites have been duly observed, and His Majesty has been laid to rest at Katina,” the statement said.

The family described the late King as a devoted leader whose legacy would endure across the kingdom he led. “Today, Dagbon mourns the loss of a revered father, a wise leader, and a custodian of our rich heritage. His reign, wisdom, humility, and unwavering dedication to the peace and unity of Dagbon will forever remain etched in our hearts,” the statement said.

Prayers for the Departed King

The Royal Family called on Allah to grant mercy and forgiveness to the late King, invoking prayers rooted in Islamic tradition for his soul to find peace in the afterlife.

“As we grieve this irreplaceable loss, we pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, showers him with His infinite mercy, expands his grave, fills it with light, and grants him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus”.
Royal Family of Andani

The family also extended prayers to those left behind, asking for strength and comfort for the kingdom during this period of loss. “May Allah grant strength, patience, and comfort to the Royal Family, the Chiefs and Elders of Dagbon, and all sons and daughters of the Kingdom during this difficult time,” the statement said, closing with the words,

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. May Allah have mercy on the soul of our beloved King. Ameen,” the Royal Family of Andani concluded.

A Reign That Ended Decades of Conflict

Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II ascended to the throne under circumstances that carried deep historical weight for the Dagbon Kingdom. He was selected by kingmakers on January 18, 2019, and formally enskinned a week later on January 25, 2019.

His enskinment marked a turning point for the kingdom, successfully uniting the long-feuding Abudu and Andani royal gates after decades of chieftaincy conflict that had divided Dagbon. His ascension brought definitive peace to a kingdom that had endured protracted disputes over succession for years.

Before rising to the throne, the late King held several traditional titles that shaped his path to kingship. He served first as the Kpunkpono Naa before becoming the Yoo Naa, the Chief of Savelugu, positions that prepared him for the responsibilities he would later carry as Overlord of Dagbon.

Recognition for Peace and Leadership

The late King’s contributions to peace and stability in Dagbon earned him formal recognition beyond the kingdom’s traditional structures. In November 2025, the University for Development Studies conferred an honorary doctorate degree upon him in recognition of his peacebrokering efforts and leadership.

His passing brings to a close a reign remembered for reconciling a divided kingdom and steering Dagbon through a period of healing after years of internal conflict.

The Royal Family indicated that arrangements regarding succession would proceed according to established Dagbon customs in the days ahead. No timeline was given for when the process of selecting a new Yaa Naa would begin.

As Dagbon prepares to bid farewell to its King, tributes are expected to pour in from traditional authorities, government officials, and citizens who credit his leadership with restoring lasting peace to the kingdom.