Kampakuya-Na Yakubu has been outdoored as the Regent of the Dagbon Traditional Area following the death of Ya-Na Abukari II, to oversee the affairs of the kingdom until a new overlord is selected and enskinned in line with Dagbon customs and traditions.
The transition is aimed at ensuring continuity and preventing a leadership vacuum in Dagbon after the passing of Ya-Na Abukari II, who died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in South Africa.
The installation of Kampakuya-Na Yakubu as Regent marks the beginning of an interim traditional administration that will guide the kingdom through the customary processes leading to the selection of a new Ya-Na.
Under Dagbon tradition, the Regent is expected to maintain the stability of the kingdom, coordinate traditional affairs and ensure that the established customs governing the succession process are followed.
Ya-Na Abukari II, who was enskinned on January 25, 2019, played a significant role in consolidating peace and unity in Dagbon after years of division arising from the protracted chieftaincy conflict between the Andani and Abudu royal gates.
His reign followed the implementation of recommendations by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, which helped resolve the 17-year dispute that followed the murder of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II in 2002.
During his seven-year leadership, Ya-Na Abukari II was credited with promoting reconciliation, strengthening cooperation among the royal gates and supporting initiatives aimed at advancing education, infrastructure and socio-economic development in Dagbon.
The emergence of Kampakuya-Na Yakubu as Regent is expected to provide stability as the kingdom prepares for the next stage of its traditional succession process.
Stakeholders within Dagbon are expected to rally behind the Regent to preserve the peace and unity achieved under the late Ya-Na Abukari II while preparations begin towards the enskinment of a new overlord.
