The Dance of Lions: Watch as Ya Naa 'battles' Yagbonwura

History was made over the weekend when the King and Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya Naa Abukari II, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, visited the King of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo.

The visit of the Ya Naa to the Jakpa Palace, which is the first of its kind in recent history, comes after he was visited by the Yagbonwura at the Gbewaa Palace in June 2024.

One of the most beautiful moments at the historic visit was when the two kings took to the floor to showcase their dancing prowess.

The Yagbonwura, the host, probably won the dance battle with his captivating dance moves.

He could be seen hopping and moving side to side to the cheers of the crowd.

His guest, Ya Naa Abukari II, also did not disappoint. The 86-year-old king, with the support of his kinsmen, could also be seen hopping, wearing a broad smile on his face.

After the brief dance battle, the two kings could be seen shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.

More on the visit:

The Ndan Ya Naa was accompanied by his royal household, over 100 Paramount, Divisional, and sub-Divisional Chiefs, including Naa Bakpem Kari Naa, Naa Yab Nyankpalana, and Naa Yab Lang Lana, among other prominent chiefs, as well as over 100 warriors and hundreds of celebrants from Dagbon.

Ya Naa’s journey started on Saturday when he left Yendi for Tamale, where he was joined by his entourage for Sunday morning’s journey.

The Dagbon King made a grand entry into the capital of Gonja, riding majestically on his royal horse. At least 40 other Dagomba chiefs also rode on horseback. He and his chiefs disembarked from their vehicles, which they used for the 125 km journey from Tamale to Damongo, at the entrance of the town.

The Ya Naa’s entourage was welcomed by hundreds of residents of Damongo and a special delegation of the Gonja Overlord, amidst drumming and dancing.

At the Jakpa Palace, the Gonja Overlord had organised a grand durbar, waiting for the arrival of the Dagbon Overlord. It was a centre of pomp and pageantry, with a display of the rich culture and traditions of the two ancient kingdoms.

Residents of Damongo were excited to see the Dagbon Overlord ride on horseback in their own backyard.

At the durbar, the Yagbonwura, who spoke through Kpembewura Banbange IV, emphasised the need for peace and unity between the two neighbouring kingdoms, saying that they are “essential to our progress.”

“The future of our two great kingdoms rests in the hands of our youth,” the Yagbonwura added.

On his part, Ndan Ya Naa Abukari II, who spoke through Zangbalung Lana Dr Jacob Mahama, said this was a new era “to do things ourselves.”

He urged the youth to work together for the forward march of the two kingdoms.

Since his enskinment last year, the Gonja King has adopted diplomatic policies to foster unity between him and his neighbours. He paid royal visits to Dagbon and Mamprugu, two of his most powerful neighbours, in 2024.

As neighbours, Dagombas and Gonjas have assimilated over the years through marriages and permanent resettlement by both ethnic groups, burying the ancient tensions that existed between them for centuries.

Although there is an ongoing boundary dispute between Gonjaland and Dagbon, the two leaders have chosen the path of diplomacy, with many residents of Dagbon hoping that discussions will include finding a solution to the dispute to pave the way for the approval of the Revised Dagbon Constitution, pending before the National House of Chiefs (NHC).

The Gonjas raised objections over Dagbon’s boundary demarcations in their revised constitution when the document was laid before the NHC for adoption. This has since stalled its implementation.

Watch a video of the two kings dancing below:



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