The third-day Islamic funeral prayer (Adua) for the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, has been observed in Yendi, drawing thousands of mourners and sympathisers from across the country to pay their final respects.
The funeral rite brought together chiefs, politicians, government officials, religious leaders and people from all walks of life to pay their last respects to the late king.
Among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony were the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah; the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John; former Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, and other senior government officials, traditional leaders and representatives of various political parties.
The solemn occasion was a moment of reflection, prayer and celebration of the life of the revered traditional ruler, who passed away after a seven-year reign.
From the early hours of the morning, the Gbewa Palace and the entire Yendi township were filled with mourners and residents who had gathered to pay their last respects.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief, but also reflected a deep sense of honour for the legacy the Ya-Na left behind.
It was also characterised by the recitation of Qur’anic verses as clerics led prayers seeking Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the departed monarch.
Beyond the prayers and mourning, the occasion also provided an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Dagbon, as traditional authorities, chiefs, drummers and cultural troupes displayed various aspects of the kingdom's customs, traditions and identity.
The performance of traditional rites, the appearance of chiefs in their regalia, and the sounds of traditional drumming reflected the historical significance of the Dagbon Kingdom and the enduring role of the Ya-Na as the custodian of its culture and traditions.
Mourners
Many mourners described the death of Ya-Na Abukari II as a great loss not only to Dagbon but to Ghana's chieftaincy institution.
A mourner, Abdul Karim Mahama, said the late Ya-Na would be remembered for promoting peace, unity and stability in Dagbon throughout his reign.
"We have lost a father who united his people. His reign brought peace to Dagbon and created an environment for development. His death is painful, but we pray that Allah grants him Jannatul Firdaus," he said.
Another mourner, Hajia Mariama Yakubu, said the late king was approachable and showed genuine concern for the welfare of his subjects.
"He always encouraged peaceful coexistence among the people.
We will miss his guidance and leadership. We can only pray that his good works continue to inspire future leaders," she said.
For his part, Alhaji Fuseini Abdulai, who travelled from Tamale to attend the prayers, described the late Ya-Na as a unifier whose influence extended beyond Dagbon.
He said, "he was respected by people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
His commitment to peace made Dagbon a better place, and his legacy will endure for generations”.
Death/burial
The late Overlord was laid to rest at Katini, the royal mausoleum, in accordance with Dagbon tradition last Monday.
He died in South Africa last Saturday, where he was receiving medical treatment after a short illness.
His remains were flown to Yendi, the traditional seat of Dagbon, for interment on Monday after the necessary rites.
The death of the revered monarch was officially announced by the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, Kuga Naa, Adam Abdulai II, on Monday morning after the sounding of the traditional talking drum and the performance of the requisite customary rites at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, in accordance with Dagbon custom.
The announcement plunged the kingdom and the entire nation into mourning, as chiefs, elders, family members, opinion leaders and the general public gathered at the palace to observe the traditional processes following the passing of the King.
