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==Early life==
==Early life==
Yaa Naa Yakubu II (1945-2002), was born in August 1945 at Sagnarigu, a suburb of [[Tamale]] in present-day [[Geography of Ghana|Northern Ghana]]. His father was [[List of rulers of the Northern state of Dagomba|Andani Yakubu]], also a previous king of [[Dagbon Kingdom|Dagbon]] who reigned from 1968 to 1969, and his mother was Zenabu Mahama, who hailed from [[Savelugu]]. He was named after his grandfather, [[List of rulers of the Northern state of Dagomba|Yaa-Naa Yakubu I]] (1824-1849). He was the first son of his father, who had about thirty children, and the only child of his mother. He attended [[Yendi]] primary and middle schools and taught as a pupil teacher for several years.{{citation needed|reason=reference needed for being a pupil teacher|date=January 2014}}
Yaa Naa Yakubu II (1945-2002), was born in August 1945 at Sagnarigu, a suburb of [[Tamale]] in present-day [[Geography of Ghana|Northern Ghana]]. His father was [[List of rulers of the Northern state of Dagomba|Andani Yakubu]], also a previous king of [[Dagbon Kingdom|Dagbon]] who reigned from 1968 to 1969, and his mother was Zenabu Mahama, who hailed from [[Savelugu]]. He was named after his grandfather, [[List of rulers of the Northern state of Dagomba|Yaa-Naa Yakubu I]] (1824-1849). He was the first son of his father, who had about thirty children, and the only child of his mother. He attended [[Yendi]] primary and middle schools and taught as a pupil teacher for several years.<ref name="sadat"/>


Before he became Yaa Naa, he had already married three wives; shortly after his inauguration, they were sent to ''Zohi'', a suburb of [[Yendi]], where they were conferred with [[titles]]. The first wife obtained the title ''Gbanzalun'', the second wife became ''Katini'', while the third one was given the title ''Sologu''. By the time of his death in March 2002, Yaa Naa Yakubu II had 26 wives,{{citation needed|reason=for number of wives|date=January 2014}} and each of them was similarly conferred with titles in accordance with [[Dagomba people|Dagomba]] tradition. He was survived by 103 children{{citation needed|reason=for number of children|date=January 2014}} including Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani; his first son and caretaker overlord of [[Dagbon Kingdom|Dagbon]].
Before he became Yaa Naa, he had already married three wives; shortly after his inauguration, they were sent to ''Zohi'', a suburb of [[Yendi]], where they were conferred with [[titles]]. The first wife obtained the title ''Gbanzalun'', the second wife became ''Katini'', while the third one was given the title ''Sologu''. By the time of his death in March 2002, Yaa Naa Yakubu II had 26 wives,{{citation needed|reason=for number of wives|date=January 2014}} and each of them was similarly conferred with titles in accordance with [[Dagomba people|Dagomba]] tradition. He was survived by 103 children{{citation needed|reason=for number of children|date=January 2014}} including Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani; his first son and caretaker overlord of [[Dagbon Kingdom|Dagbon]].

Revision as of 21:08, 10 January 2014

For the deceased Gushie-Naa and former Inspector General of Police of the Ghana Police Service, see Bawa Andani Yakubu.


Yaa-Naa Yakubu II
King of Dagbamba; Overlord of Dagbɔŋ
File:Yana andani II.jpg
Late Yaa-Naa Yakubu II
King of the Kingdom of Dagbon
ReignMay 31, 1974 - March 27, 2002 (28 years)
EnskinedMay 31, 1972[1]
PredecessorYaa Naa Mahama IV
SuccessorNot installed yet (January 2014)
Gbaŋ LanaKampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani
Born(1945-08-01)1 August 1945
Saɣnarigu, Tamale[2]
Died27 March 2002(2002-03-27) (aged 56)
Yendi
BurialApril 10, 2006
Yendi (Gbewaa Palace)
Spouses(s)Gbanzaluŋ, katini, Sologu and 24 others
Issue103 Children including Kampakuya Naa (2006 - present) Abdulai Yakubu Andani
Names
Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II
GateAndani (Chulum)
FatherYaa Naa Andani III
MotherZenabu Mahama
ReligionIslam
OccupationTeacher[2]
Styles of
King Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II of the Kingdom of Dagbɔŋ
Reference styleHis Majesty
Spoken styleYour Majesty
Alternative styleTihi ni Mori Lana

Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II (1945-2002), king of Dagombas, overlord of Dagbon and victim of murder at Yendi, the capital of the Dagomba traditional area, was born in August 1945 at Sagnarigu, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana. Yakubu II, as was his skin name was the ruler of the Kingdom of Dagbon from May 31, 1974 until he was murdered on March 27, 2002.[1]

He was killed by supporters of Abudu Royal Family[3] when clashes broke out between the two feuding Gates of Dagbon Kingship, the other being the Andani Royal Family. For 600 years the Abudu and Andani clans, named after two sons of the ancient Dagbon king Ya Naa Yakubu I, cordially rotated control of the kingdom centered in Yendi, 330 miles (530 kilometers) north of Accra, the capital of Ghana. [4] As of January 2014, a regent has acted as seignior of the kingdom (installed 2006) until a new ruler is chosen to occupy the revered Lion Skins of Yendi.[5]

After three days of unrest and sporadic violence, Gbewaa Palace, the residence of the king together with thirty surrounding houses were destroyed and set ablaze.[6] Thirty members of his household, some of his elders and neighbours who sought refuge in his palace from the turbulence outside were brutally killed and several others severely maimed. The king himself had his body dismembered and his head decapitated after he was killed and set on fire. His head was paraded on a spear[4] and parts of his body were carried around town amid jubilation.[7] Members of the Abudu Royal Family played the triumphal rhythm Bangumanga, making it likely that the dismemberment deliberately echoed that of the Gonja king by Naa Luro in the seventeenth century.[8] Nobody has been jailed in relation to the incidence (January 2014).[9]

Minister of State and former BBC journalist, Elizabeth Ohene, announced his death on March 27, 2002.[10] News of his death and the gruesome manner in which it took place shook the entire country and has since affected the lives of Dagombas in Ghana and beyond in diverse ways especially with regard to their political affiliations. Dagbon citizens who occupied prominent government positions were inescapably caught up in the dispute. Some ministers and government appointees resigned under the heat of the dispute.[11] Aliu Mahama, then Vice President of Republic of Ghana, vehemently refused to comment the matter. It is reported that the former Vice President had prior informed of the tension in the area; he gave his assurances that the government won't sit down for anything to be done to the Yaa-Naa, yet did not lift a finger when the events started to materialize.[12] Death of Yakubu II set a lot of Dagombas against the Government of John Agyekum Kufuor (incumbent 2002), further deepening the common asseveration that Dagombas are more generally sympathetic towards the National Democratic Congress than the New Patriotic Party.[13]

Many Ghanaians accused the government of not supporting Yaa Naa Yakubu II enough and so made his assassination possible. Former President Jerry John Rawlings is at the forefront of such accusations stating that he has evidence to support his claims and wishes to be given the platform to expose the contrivers of the assassinations.[14] Alex Segbefia, one time deputy Chief of Staff has come out to say that the New Patriotic Party was to blame for the conflict.[15] John Agyekum kufour, then president of the country and leader of the New Patriotic Party, however, has always disassociated himself from such allegations. He stated that Yaa Naa Yakubu II's death over a decade ago (2011) and his inability to apprehend those who masterminded the incident still gives him sleepless nights. He described the late King as a personal friend, regretted the incident and bemoaned how politicians took advantage of the situation.[16] In spite of state of affairs, John Agyekum kufour got reelected on December 7, 2004,[17] amazing votes in Yendi and Gushiegu parliamentary constituencies, which have strong representation of supporters of Abudu Royal Gate, whiles the rest of Dagbon and most of Northern Ghana voted overwhelmingly for the National Democratic Congress, snatching away some New Patriotic Party seats in the process.

Early life

Yaa Naa Yakubu II (1945-2002), was born in August 1945 at Sagnarigu, a suburb of Tamale in present-day Northern Ghana. His father was Andani Yakubu, also a previous king of Dagbon who reigned from 1968 to 1969, and his mother was Zenabu Mahama, who hailed from Savelugu. He was named after his grandfather, Yaa-Naa Yakubu I (1824-1849). He was the first son of his father, who had about thirty children, and the only child of his mother. He attended Yendi primary and middle schools and taught as a pupil teacher for several years.[2]

Before he became Yaa Naa, he had already married three wives; shortly after his inauguration, they were sent to Zohi, a suburb of Yendi, where they were conferred with titles. The first wife obtained the title Gbanzalun, the second wife became Katini, while the third one was given the title Sologu. By the time of his death in March 2002, Yaa Naa Yakubu II had 26 wives,[citation needed] and each of them was similarly conferred with titles in accordance with Dagomba tradition. He was survived by 103 children[citation needed] including Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani; his first son and caretaker overlord of Dagbon.

Background of Dagbon conflict

File:Late YaNaa.jpg
Yaa Naa Yakubu II in 1999

He became the Yaa-Naa, the title given to the king of Dagombas, in 1974. The previous incumbent, Yaa-Naa Mahamadu abdulai IV (1969-1974) was said to be have been improperly installed as king. The matter was contested in court amid great tension, and the military government of Ignatius Kutu Acheampong set up the Justice Ollenu Committee to investigate the matter. Based on the committee’s recommendation, the incumbent was removed from office as Yaa-Naa, and on June 1, 1974, Yakubu Andani was installed as Yaa-Naa Yakubu II by the kingmakers, in accordance with Dagomba tradition.

The removal of Mahamadu Abdulai IV from office deepened the enmity between the royal members and the supporters of Abdulai’s lineage, known as Abudu Gate (or Abudus or Alugti) and the royal members and supporters of Andani (also known as Andani Gate or Andanis or Chulum). In 1986, Yaa-Naa Yakubu II made an attempt to create unity between the two feuding camps, but it was unsuccessful, as the meeting he called was attended by only his own supporters. In 1987, the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) government assisted in forming a reconciliation committee aimed at creating unity between the two groups. This committee was attended by both sides, but failed to end the tensions. In 1989, fifteen years into his rule, Yaa-Naa Yakubu II was taken to court by Mahamadu Abdulai. The court ruled that Yaa-Naa Yakubu II should be removed from office. Yakubu II appealed to the Supreme Court of Ghana, which by a six to one majority in 1984 upheld the rotational system of his ascension to the throne, reversed the ruling of the Court of Appeal and restored him as Yaa-Naa (Tsikata and Seini 2004: 44; Government of Ghana 2002:64).[18] Never-ceasing in his efforts to smoke the peace pipe, the Abudus gave him the cold shoulder at every meeting he tried to have with them. He remained Yaa-Naa amidst deep-seated ill-will from members of Abudu Gate and supporters of Mahamadu Abdulai until they finally took his life on March the 27th, 2002.

Throughout his rule, however, the antagonism between the Andani supporters and the Abudu supporters continued to grow. When the deposed chief died in 1988, his remains were buried at the Gbewaa Palace (where the kings of Dagbon are buried). Thereafter, the Abudu group demanded that Yaa-Naa Yakubu II vacate the palace and allow them perform funeral rites for Mahamadu Abdulai, which he persistently refused. Any opportunity given to his ‘rival’ to occupy the palace for the funeral, may be abused to usurp the throne, according to the Andanis. In view of this, members of the Abudu Royal Family openly refused to recognise the Yaa-Naa as the king and rallied behind their new leader, Bolin-Lana. The beheading of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II in 2002 was therefore aimed at making him taste the same bitter pill he had forced down the throats of his rivals.[18] Matters came to a head in March 2002, when it was time to celebrate the Bugum Chugu (Fire Festival). Traditionally, it is the prerogative of the chief to commence the rituals and the celebration of festivals. However, before the festival, there was already tension and rumors that the two feuding factions were stockpiling weapons. As a result of this, the district security council, in collaboration with the Northern Regional Security Council, banned the celebration of the festival in Yendi on March 24, 2002. However, Yaa-Naa Yakubu II claimed that he was not informed about the ban and went ahead to commence the celebrations as tradition required of him. Violence broke out between the Abdani Royal Family members and their supporters and the Abudu Royal Family members and their supporters on March 25, 2002 and continued until 27 March 2002. During this period, all means of communication to Yendi were seized. Electricity was cut-off and telephone lines were jammed. Yendi was completely obstructed from the rest of the world. When the dust finally settled, it was discovered that Yaa-Naa Yakubu II was beheaded, and over twenty other people had been killed.

Events of the massacre at Yendi

File:Kampakuya Naa.jpg
First son of Yakubu II and Heir apparent to the Yendi skins, Kampakuya Naa Abdulai

The Ya-Na's death was announced on 27 March by Elizabeth Akua Ohene, Minister of State and former BBC journalist. The police waited to confirm it until forensic experts identified the body. The Ya-Na, overlord of the Northern people of Dagbon, is said to have been abducted from his palace by men in military fatigues on 26 March and murdered (Africa Confidential Vol 43 No 7).[10]

These hawkish figures are believed to have been an assassination squad of Liberian mercenaries brought into the country and deployed in Yendi to incapacitate the Yaa-Naa and his bodygourds, paving way for the local militia of Abudu Gate to finish him off. Eye witneses say these warlike people numbered around 50 and were armed with most sophisticated of weapons including Israeli-made Uzi sub-machine guns, AK 47 rifles and Hand grenades.[19] Similar description of military men was given to individuals intending to assassinate former President Jerry John Rawlings and his aides during their planned campaign trip to the Northern Region for speaking up on the matter, by faking an armed robbery attack on the ex-President's convoy.[20]

On the day of the incidence, all means of communication to Yendi were hijacked. All thought the seizure of the Gbewaa Palace and attack on Yaa-Naa Yakubu II by the hired assassins and members of Abudu family took several hours to complete amidst firing of heavy artillery, incessant pleas made by the Yaa-Naa to a Police station under 2-minutes walk away to come and contain the situation was declined. Some occupants of the palace who managed escape to the station for protection were turned away by the Police. A number of such persons were assaulted by the police and handed him over to the Abudus to be shot.[21] By way of calculated interferences in commutation by means of electricity or telephone to the rest of the world, Yaa-Naa was left to his own fate. It appears the king was designedly cordoned in his palace alongside his eminent chiefs and some members of his family and friends who were with him. He was bombarded with firepower and grenades by the armed assassins till his bodyguards and brave young men in his household who swore to protect him were all taken out. At that time, the mercenaries having completed their task, disappeared into thin air. His palace and surrounding houses was burned to ruins. That was when the local militia from Abudu Family took over. Yaa-Naa Yakubu II was killed and mutilated alongside some of his elders.[22]

Twenty-two members of Andani Family were brutally murdered whiles others were severely maimed. The king slayers made away with parts of his body including his head they had decapitated. The vicinity was charged with wild jubilations among members of Abudu Gate amid drumming, dancing and singing Dagomba war victory songs.[23] Famous triumphal rhythm Bangumanga could be head on loud Talking drum from the house of the leader of Abudus, Bolin Lana Mahamadu Abduliai[24] where the severed head of the Yaa-Naa was presented him.[25] The rhythm was deliberately played most likely to echo that of the dismembered Gonja king by Naa Luro in the seventeenth century.[8] Dagomba talking drums are capable of being head across the capital of the kingdom (Yendi) and beyond.

Aftermath of Yaa-Naa Yakubu II's death

A new ruler of Dagbon can not be chosen until his predecessor is buried. A Pathologist from the 37 Military Hospital confirmed that the body of Yaa-Naa Yakubu II is incomplete; his head, a hand or a foot were detached from the rest of his body.[26] However the severed head and hand of the king were mysteriously returned to the Yendi District Hospital Morgue where the body was kept by an unknown peson.[27]

File:Yanaa II 1979.jpg
Yaa Naa Yakubu II in 1974 at his inauguration at Gbewaa Palace, Yendi

The burial of the king finally took place on Monday 10 April 2006 after a compromise reached between the Andanis and the Abudus concerning his successor.[28] The king was given a state burial in the royal musuleum at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. The elder son (Zuu) of the king was enskined as the Regent of Dagbon on the 21st of April 2006 to manage the affairs of the kingdom until the final funeral rites when a new Yaa-Naa will be enskined. The traditional title of the Regent is Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani. His suceeder is Yaa-Naa Abdulai Yakubu. He will run the affairs of the Dagomba Kingdom along with a council of six elders: three each from the Andani and Abudu clans or "gates" in an interim mandate. Together, they will determine who becomes the next Yaa-Naa. Although succession rotates between the two gates, a bi-factional "road map" reached with mediators makes either gate eligible because Yakubu II did not die a natural death .[29] It is very likely that Abdulai Yakubu Andani will be settled on as Yaa-Naa to complete his slain fathers' turn once the courts are able to charge the accused persons and link them to the Abudu family, after which the Abudu-Andani rotatioanal system will be restituted. This, is believed, would send a strong message not just to Abudus but to both Gates and go a long way to ensure that murder of an incumbent does not recur. On 29th 2011, a court in Accra acquitted and discharged 15 persons were accused of murdering the Ya-Naa. This sparked violent protests in Dagbon and other parts of the country.[30]

A major cause of the escalation of the Dagbon dispute, according to the Justice I.N.K. Wuaku Commission report, was a cumulative effect of the poor management of past phases of Dagbon disputes and the intrusion of national politics into the chieftaincy conflict. The Dagbon region is one of the most populated parts of Ghana. The Dagomba people are the single largest Ethnic group in Northern Ghana.[18] The people of the region have strong allegiance to their traditional political authority. Before the contact with the Western world in the 19th century and the establishment of the British colonial rule in Ghana, traditional rulers in Dagbon were semi-gods and their king was Andunia Naawuni (God on Earth or Owner of the World). In Ghana, the Yaa-Naa had clenched-fist prehension not only over Dagombas but also on acepahlous tribes in the Northern territories and was known literally as The Lion (Ferguson and Wilks 1970:326-369). This makes the position of the Ya-Na of great interest to politicians who wish to win votes or have the support of the king for their programmes. Every political leader in Ghana thus tries to ensure that only a friend of the regime occupies the Yaa-Naa seat.[18]

Yaa-Naa Yakubu II’s murder shoked the nation. It highlighted the continuing relevance of traditional animosities in Ghanaian politics and the potential for such animosities to ignite violence. The violence also came to shape party politics, with the Andanis supporting the opposition (2006) National Democratic Congress, while the Abudus backed the New Patriotic Party which was then in power.

The late king of Dagbon was survived by 103 children.

Names in the spotlight surrounding the conflict

  • Yidana Sugri. After dismemberment of his body amidst drumming and dancing, Yidana hanged the arm of the late Yaa-Naa on his neck with the aid of a rope, daring anyone who was brave enough to come forward for it.[23]
  • Iddrisu Jahinfo. Actual slayer of the late king.
  • Constable Nyarkotey Adjetey. The low rank officer and his colleagues arrested escapees of the palace that was under fire attack, assaulted then and handed them over to be shot by Abudu fighters.[21]
  • Zakaria Forest. Alleged to have cut-off the head and hands of the Yaa-Naa. He is currently at large (January 2014).[31]
  • Sau Billa. Earliest known initiator of gun-fire towards the Gbewaa Palace.[21]
  • Saibu Mohammed
  • Alhassan Mohammed Briamah
  • Iddrisu Iddi
  • Kwame Alhassan
  • Alhassan Ibrahim
  • Yakubu Usifu
  • Ahmed Abukari
  • Abdul Razak Usifu
  • Alhassan Braimah
  • Sani Moro
  • Mohammadu Abdulai. Along with Sani Moro, he dragged the body of Yaa-Naa to the spot where the drumming and dancing tool place.[21]
  • Mohammed Mustapha
  • Osman Suleimana
  • Baaba Issaka
  • Shamasu a.k.a soldier
  • Alhaji Baba Iddrisu Abdulai
  • Mohammed Habib Tijani, former District Chief Executive (DCE) of Yendi and one of prime suspects of Yaa-Naa's Murder. He is taught to be the mastermind behind the interruption in communications in Yendi on day of murder as well as preventing the police force moving in to save the King as he was under attack. A witness against him in court revealed he continuously lambasted the Yaa-Naa for being an arrogant person (by refusing to flee his Palace) and got himself killed as a result.[32] He was seen wearing local bullet proof attire all day around the Gbewaa Palace.[33]
  • Major (rtd) Abubakar Suleimana, some survivors of the Yendi massacre identified Major Sulemana leading what is believed to be dozens of heavily armed Liberian mercenaries in the attack on the Yaa-Naa’s palace.[10] He was again spotted fleeing the country to Burkina Faso in the company of the Liberian mercenaries after the attack.[7]
  • Lieutenant General Joshua Mahamadu Hamidu, was arraign in court alongwith Major (rtd) Abubakar Suleimana for allegedly suppying arms and military assistance to Abudus, both of them were heads at National Security Advisory with Mr. Hamidu as the Chief of Defence Staff.
  • Imoro Andani
  • Malik al-Hassan Yakubu
  • Hackman Owusu-Agyeman. The former Interior minister is said to be in possession of a video filming of incidence of the attack on Gbewaa Palace and murder of Yaa-Naa. He has declined request on him to provide answers as to who did the Video filming, when it was done, what its intent was and who were captured in the video.[24]
  • Alhaji Asumah Abu Banda. The Business Magnate is reported to have attacked former President Jerry John Rawlings for calling on Northerners to demand reinvestigation of the murder of Yaa Naa Yakubu II.[34]

Influence and Notable works

The Dagombas make up 8% of Ghana's population. This means, Yakubu II wielded authority over 2 million people aside administrative responsibilities the King of Dagbon traditionally has over acephalous groups like the Konkomba, Bimoba, Chekosi, Basaari, Chamba, Waala, Grussi, Zantansi, etcetera. The Dagomba people are the single largest Ethnic group in Northern Ghana.[18] The King of Dagbon is Ghana's second-highest traditional ruler after the king of Ashanti.[35]

Yakubu II enjoyed some significant successes during his reign of twenty-eight years.

Education

School for Life

File:School for life 2.jpg
The School for Life initiative, now existing all over Northern Ghana began pilot operations in Yendi and Gushegu in 1995

.

Yaa-Naa Yakubu II was very passionate about education especially where young children in deprived communities were involved. He attempted to improve the literacy rate in the Northern Region, where the majority of citizens could not read or write. Along with Dr. Abubakari Alhassan, he appealed to the Danish government for some support.[36] In response to this, the Ghana Danish community, which eventually developed a Non-governmental organisation called School for Life, was established in 1995. School for life designed a free Educational program targeted at out-of-school children between the ages of eight and fourteen. School for Life offered a nine-month Literacy cycle in the mother tongue, helping children to attain basic literacy skills and then integrate into the formal education system. The program quickly expanded to cover twenty districts in Northern Ghana and has since benefited over 109,000 children (2004) who would otherwise have had no access to education.

In 1996, the Non-governmental organisation established a community development Radio station to give local communities a platform to identify challenges facing them and also build their capacity by way of information to address these challenges. Broadcasting in Dagbanli to 376 communities totaling in excess of (280,000), it conscientizes the locals on issues that affect their communities, e.g., agriculture, health, sanitation, empowerment of women and education among others.

University for Development Studies

University for Development Studies has campuses in Tamale, Nyankpala, Wa and Navrongo

Yaa Naa Yakubu II was also instrumental in the establishment of the University for Development Studies in Northern Ghana. Plans to set up a university in northern Ghana had been planned since the regime of General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (1972-1978), but had never been implemented. Yakubu II was unrelenting in his efforts to put pressure on the national government to establish the university. He led several protest delegations to Accra to meet leaders of the country. President Jerry John Rawlings, 10th Head of state of Ghana and good friend of Yakubu II finally cut sod for establishment of the university in 1992. Yakubu II was present at the occasion for that historic moment in Tamale. University for Development Studies now has campuses in Tamale, Nyankpala, Wa and Navrongo. It also has an annual intake of over six-thousand students.[37]

Sabali bridge

Between Yendi and Zabzugu, the river Sabali (a tributary of the White Volta) used to flood over its banks, making it difficult for people to transact business at the other side of the river, or transport their farm produce to the market across the river. In 1990, Yaa Naa Yakubu II asked the PNDC government to bridge the river. His request was granted and the river was bridged.

Elevation of paramount chiefs

Yaa Naa Yakubu II realised that there was a need to elevate the divisional chiefs under him to the status of paramount chiefs. Paramount chiefs controlled a large area or province, whereas divisional chiefs controlled a small area such as a district or a village. Thus, between 1991 and 1993, he spent considerable time trying to accomplish this. Before he undertook this effort, Yaa Naa Yakubu II was the only paramount chief in the whole of Dagomba traditional area. He was the first chief among the then four paramount chiefs in the northern region to have undertaken this exercise. Yakubu II’s own status was elevated to that of king. Even today, as a result of the Yaa Naa’s efforts, there are fifty-five paramount chiefs in the Dagomba traditional area. Decentralization has brought about development.

Konkomba war

The creation of paramount chiefs motivated the Konkombas, who were under the domain of the Yaa-Naa, to request for their own system of paramount chiefs, to be created at Saboba. Initially, Yaa Naa Yakubu II refused to grant them this request, and this was one of the causes of the 1994 Konkomba-Dagomba war. The war started at Nakpayili, in the Nanumba traditional area, and spread to the Dagomba and Gonja traditional areas. The war claimed two thousand lives[citation needed], numerous houses and properties were destroyed. Later, the Yaa Naa gave the Konkomba three paramount chiefs.

Further reading

  • Wyatt MacGaffey (2013). Chiefs, Priests, and Praise-Singers: History, Politics, and Land Ownership in Northern Ghana. University of Virginia Press. ISBN 0813933870.
  • Martin Staniland (2010). The Lions of Dagbon: Political Change in Northern Ghana. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521206822.
  • Ibrahim Mahama (2009). Murder of an African King: Ya-Na Yakubu II. Vantage Press. ISBN 9780533159369.
  • Justice E.k. Ayebi Ja. THE REPUBLIC v 1.IDDRISU IDDI @ MBADUGU & 14 ORS. Ghanaian Judiciary.
  • Sulemana Mahama Sibidow (2010). Background of the Yendi skin crisis. Indiana University (Yenzow).
  • Abudulai Yakubu (2006). The Abudu-Andani crisis of Dagbon: a historical and legal perspective of the Yendi skin affairs. MPC Ltd. ISBN 9789988032517.
  • Sefa-Nyarko Clement (2012). Life in Dagbon After the King's Murder and Crisis. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. ISBN 9783659311444.
  • Harold B. Martinson (2002). The historical antecedents of the Yendi skin affairs; Volume 1 of Dagbon: Who Killed Ya-Na Andani Yakubu II (1974-2002). Sundel Services. ISBN 9789988776732.
  • Dr. Ken Ahorsu, Dr. Boni Yao Gebe (2011). Governance and Security in Ghana: The Dagbon Chieftaincy Crisis. West Africa Civil Society Institute.
  • Yendi Skin Affairs Committee of Inquiry (1974). Report of Yendi Skin Affairs Committee of Inquiry. Republic of Ghana.
  • Commission of Inquiry into the Yendi Disturbances of 25th-27th March, 2002, Ghana (2002). White paper on the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Yendi Disturbances of 25th-27th March. Ghana Pub. Corp.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  • D. Iddi (2010). The Ya Na of the Dagombas : field notes Yendi project. Reports. Indiana University. {{cite book}}: line feed character in |title= at position 40 (help)
  • Ibrahim Mahama (2004). History and traditions of Dagbon. GILLBT.
  • Robert Sutherland Rattray, Diedrich Westermann (1932). The tribes of the Ashanti hinterland, Volume 1. Clarendon Press.
  • Allan Wolsey Cardinall (1852). The natives of the northern territories of the Gold Coast: their customs, religion and folklore. E. P. Dutton.
  • A. K. Awedoba, Edward Salifu Mahama, Sylvanus M. A. Kuuire, Felix Longi (2010). An Ethnographic Study of Northern Ghanaian Conflicts: Towards a Sustainable Peace : Key Aspects of Past, Present, and Impending Conflicts in Northern Ghana and the Mechanisms for Their Address. African Books Collective. ISBN 9789988647384.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Dr. Isaac Olawale Albert: Peace and Conflict Studies Programme (2004). From From "Owo Crisis" to "Dagbon Dispute": Lessons in the Politicization of Chieftaincy Disputes In Modern Nigeria and Ghana PDF. Institute of African Studies University of Ibadan Nigeria.

Miscellany

  • Paul André Ladouceur (1979). Chiefs and politicians: the politics of regionalism in Northern Ghana. the University of Michigan (Longman). ISBN 9780582646469.
  • Lambert M Surhone, Mariam T Tennoe, Susan F Henssonow (2010). Yendi. VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller AG & Co. Kg. ISBN 6131981523.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Mustapha Abdul-Hamid (2011). Islam, Politics & Development: Negotiating the Furure of Dagbon. University of Cape Coast.
  • George Agyekum (2002). Yendi Chieftaincy Trials of 1987: A Clash Between State and Traditional Norms : Conflict Resolution Through Judicial Action. Justice Trust Publications. ISBN 9789988817503.
  • Madeline Manoukian (1951). Tribes of the Northern Territories of the Gold Coast, Volume 1, Part 5. International African Institute.
  • Ibrahim Mahama (2008). Ethnic Conflicts in Northern Ghana. University of Michigan (Cyber Systems). ISBN 9789988611095.
  • Rahaina Tahiru (2011). Women's Experiences of Ethnic Conflicts: The Case of Northern Ghana. ISBN 9783843382007.
  • Abdulai Salifu (2011). Politics and Ethnicity: Political Anthroponymy in Northern Ghana African political, economic, and security issues series Focus on Civilizations and Cultures. Nova Science Publishers, Incorporated. ISBN 9781611221398. {{cite book}}: line feed character in |title= at position 65 (help)
  • Augustine Seyire (1968). Dagomba Traditional Religion: Field Notes Issue 9 of Yendi project, Reports. Indiana University. {{cite book}}: line feed character in |title= at position 42 (help)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Steve TONAH University of Ghana (2012). "The Politicisation of a Chieftaincy Conflict: The Case of Dagbon, Northern Ghana" (PDF). Nordic Journal of African Studies 21(1): 1–20 (2012). Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong, Henry Louis Gates, Mr. Steven J. Niven (February 2, 2012). Dictionary of African Biography, Volumes 1-6. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2 January 2014.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Afua Hirsch (July 5, 2012). "Ghana's rival Dagbon royals risk pulling the country apart". the Guardian. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  4. ^ a b BRYAN MEALER (February 14, 2005). "A headless king, 32 widows and a succession battle in the making". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  5. ^ GhanaWeb (May 7, 2006). "Kufuor pays tribute to late Ya-Na". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  6. ^ GhanaWeb General News (August 15, 2002). "Wuaku Commission: "I fired shots with AK47 rifle"". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  7. ^ a b Wuaku Commission (May 7, 2006). "GRi at the Wuaku Commission on Yendi crises". viewpoint@ghanareview.com. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  8. ^ a b Wyatt MacGaffey (March 13, 2013). Chiefs, Priests, and Praise-Singers: History, Politics, and Land Ownership in Northern Ghana. University of Virginia Press. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  9. ^ Daily Graphic (March 31, 2011). "Accused Persons In Ya-Na's Murder Case Freed". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  10. ^ a b c "Murder in Yendi". Africa Confidential. April 19, 2002. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  11. ^ Kpodo Kwasi (March 30, 2002). "Ministers Resign after Ghana's Tribal Infighting Leaves 36 People Dead". The Independent (London, England). Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  12. ^ Michael J.K. Bokor, Ph.D. (mjbokor@yahoo.com) (December 31, 2013). "Justice for the Ya-Na is good but..." Modern Ghana. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  13. ^ Citi FM News (2011). "NDC urges Andanis to remain calm and confident". Citi FM Online. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  14. ^ Emmanuel Akli (April 1, 2011). "I'VE EVIDENCE ON YA-NA .JJ". The Chronicle. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  15. ^ Nathan Gadugah (August 12, 2011). "Blame the NPP for difficulties in finding Ya-Na killers- Alex Segbefia". Myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  16. ^ Martin Asiedu (2011). "Ya Na's murder still gives me sleepless nights - Kufuor". Citifmonline. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  17. ^ "Elections 2004 (Presidential Results Summary)". Peacefmonline. 2004. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  18. ^ a b c d e Dr. Isaac Olawale Albert (ioalbert2004@yahoo.com). From "Owo Crisis" to "Dagbon Dispute": Lessons in the Politicization of Chieftaincy Disputes In Modern Nigeria and Ghana. Peace and Conflict Studies Programme Institute of African Studies University of Ibadan. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Aaron Okyere (April 5, 2011). "Ya na's Killer Exposed". Ghana Web. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  20. ^ The Palava (November 9, 2004). "Ya Na Killers are back in Northern Ghana". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  21. ^ a b c d GhanDistricts.com (October 5, 2010). "Witness testifies at Ya-Na's trial". Dagbon.Net. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  22. ^ Ghana News Agency (March 28, 2002). "Ya-Na Confirmed Dead". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  23. ^ a b Graphic (June 0512 2002). "Abudu?s jubilated after Ya-Na?s death - Witness". Ghana Web. Retrieved 8 January 2014. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ a b Accra Mail (March 21, 2006). "Abudus Express Readiness to Co-operate But…". Dagbbon.Net. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  25. ^ MAHAMA SHAYIBU (November 22, 2004). "We won't bury Ya-na - Andani". ModernGhana. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  26. ^ GhanaWeb (May 14, 2003). "Ya-Na's body was incomplete and badly mutilated - Pathologist". GhanaWeb. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  27. ^ TheGhanaianJournal (August 14, 2009). "Ya-Na's Spirit haunts Kufuor & Co (3)". ModernGhana. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  28. ^ Kwaku Sakyi-Addo (April 13, 2006). "Ghana king's burial ends long feud". BBC. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  29. ^ Nurudeen Salifu (May 16, 2013). "Translate peace talks to into action — Bede Ziedeng". Graphic Online. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  30. ^ "Yendi in Frenzy Over Acquittal of Ya-Na Murder Suspects". NorthernGhana.com. 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  31. ^ Justice E.k. Ayebi Ja. THE REPUBLIC v 1.IDDRISU IDDI @ MBADUGU & 14 ORS. Ghanaian Judiciary. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  32. ^ Ivy Benson (September 30, 2010). "Ex-DCE painted Ya-Na as being arrogant -Witness tells court". Ghanaian Chronicle. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  33. ^ Ivy Benson (June 19, 2002). "Witness denies assuring Ya-Na of lifting of curfew". GhanaWeb. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  34. ^ Peace FM Online (5 January 2014). "Andani Royal Family slams Alhaji Asuma Banda". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  35. ^ BBC News (March 128 2002). "Troops deployed in northern Ghana". British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 5 January 2014. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ Sharif Yunus Abu-Bakr (February 20, 2004). "Ghana: Renewing the Agenda for Poverty Reduction in Ghana: The Roles of the Northern Intellectual". AllAfrica. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  37. ^ GhanaWeb (November 4, 2013). "UDS rejects 12,822 undergraduate applicants". Ghana Business News. Retrieved 5 January 2014.

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