The late Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani
The false start which greeted the commencement of the funeral of the late Dagbon Overlord Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani a few days ago has given way to hope, as the rites began yesterday in Yendi.
The traditional rites of shaving the hair of persons related to the royal family called ‘Kubihi penbu,’characterized the funeral yesterday.
Following Friday’s bloody clashes, the funeral of Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani was put on hold indefinitely.
With the deployment of more security personnel to Yendi, the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC), decided to reverse Friday’s order to pave way for the funeral.
The clash between the two royal families of Abudu and Andani resulted in the death of one person, with 12 people injured and several houses burnt down.
The Committee of Eminent Chiefs, chaired by His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, announced that the final funeral rites of the late Yaa-Naa Andani Yakubu II would continue in accordance with the road map.
In a statement, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II indicated that on 17th January, 2019, Kampakuya-Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai, would perform the circumambulation of the local deities to complete the funeral process.
According to the statement, on 18th January, 2019, the accredited elders of Dagbon would enter the sacred seclusion to consult the traditional oracles for the selection of a new Yaa-Naa.
The Committee further directed REGSEC to provide adequate security to facilitate the peaceful performance of the funeral by the Andani Royal Family and selection of Yaa-Naa by the elders of Dagbon.
The Committee of Eminent Chiefs, chaired by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urged the people of Dagbon to cooperate to ensure the successful conclusion of the funeral in accordance with the roadmap to bring peace to Dagbon.
IGP Visit
As a result of the clashes between the Abudus and Andanis, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu led a delegation to Yendi and paid a courtesy call on the regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu Andani, Kugu-Naa and Bolin-Lana Mahamadu Abdullah.
The meeting was held behind closed doors at their respective palaces, but DAILY GUIDE has gathered that both parties poured out their frustrations before the police chief, who assured them that their respective grievances would be addressed in no time.
Addressing the media on behalf of the IGP, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Yussif Tanko, said the elders of the Andani Family agreed to continue with the funeral during the mediation.
DSP Tanko said that the security service personnel deployed in Yendi are ready to ensure the safety of all, including members of the the Abudu Royal Family during and after the funerals.
The delegation included the Chief of Defense Staff, Lt General Obed Akwa, Chief of Army Staff, Col Michael Amoah Ayisi, Forces Sergeant Major, CWO Ramos Brakes, Army HQ, Lt Col Ansah and Col Isaac Amponsah.
From Eric Kombat, Yendi