Committee to be set up on Bimbilla chieftaincy dispute
The Northern Regional House of Chiefs is to set up a committee with immediate effect to reconcile the two feuding factions in the Bimbilla chieftaincy dispute. This is beyond the Supreme Court ruling given on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
The house has also appealed to both parties to respect the court’s ruling and remain peaceful to ensure sustainable peace in the area.
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The Vice-President of the Gonja Traditional Council, Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor, read the speech on behalf of the President of the House, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Bore Essa I, at a press conference held in Tamale on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
He entreated all supporters to keep activities and exchanges civil to maintain an atmosphere of tolerance and respect and also avoid the use of tribal rhetoric.
“We request that all parties should reiterate to their supporters their commitment to a non-violent, law abiding and peaceful co-existence,” he added.
Buipewura Jinapor thanked the Justices of the Supreme Court for finally delivering judgement in the long-standing chieftaincy dispute that “was an albatross on the house.”
He added that the house was committed to supporting the relevant stakeholders to ensure a sustainable peace in Nanung.
Read also: Supreme Court declares late Naa Dasana Andani as rightful chief of Bimbilla
Supreme Court ruling
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 23, declared the Dasana Andani Family rightful rulers of Bimbilla following a protracted chieftaincy dispute that had led to the death of many people, including Naa Andani in 2014.
The five-member panel of the apex court reaffirmed the decisions of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs that declared Naa Andani as the legitimate chief of the area.
Another claimant to the Bimbilla skin, the late Nakpa Naa Salifu Dawuni, filed the appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the decision of the National House of Chiefs.
But in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court held that Naa Andani's lineage to the Bimbilla Skin was legitimate.
“We, therefore, find no merit in the appeal and it is dismissed in its entirety,” the court held.
The judgement was read by Mr Justice Gabriel Pwamang, while the panel was presided over by Mr Justice Julius Ansah.
Other members of the panel were Mr Justice Anin Yeboah, Mr Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and Mr Justice Yaw Appau.
The court, however, refused to award cost as demanded by lawyers of the victors.
