Why the Kampakuya Naa ‘boycotted’ new Ya-Naa’s coronation

A member of the publicity committee during the final funeral rites of the late Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani II, Mr B.Y Alhassan has been explaining to MyNewsGh.com why the Kampakuya Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai was conspicuously missing at the coronation of the new Ya-Naa Abukari Mahama held at the forecourt of Gbewaa Palace on Friday January 25, 2019.

His absence left many tongue wagging including some officials of government who were anticipating his presence to cement the final lap of the road map to peace initiated by the Otumfuo led eminent chiefs.

The Kampakuya Naa’s absence was visible when an announcement was continually made about the presence of the Bolin Lana and no mention of the Kampakuya Naa who was nowhere to be found.

Several reasons have been given for his absence but B.Y Alhassan indicated that his absence was in line with the customs and traditions of Dagbon which could not be breached.

In a response to an article about the Kampakuya Naa’s absence he said “In Dagbon customs and traditions of, the Yaa Naa Regent (i.e Kampakuuya Naa) after performing the father’s funeral would have to pay homage in the form of greetings to the Enskinned Yaa Naa where he will now remove the BUUGU from his head, and possibly enskin him.

Since that is not yet done, it is uncustomary for the Kampakuuya Naa to be in a gathering in which Yaa Naa is, with the BUGU still on. Because any of such visit the question that arises is: Will the Kampakuuya Naa be there in what capacity? Is it as still regent? Or what? And if still regent, then his seat will be exactly where the Yaa Naa is seated.

Remember also that, it is uncustomary and taboo, to continue to use a rolled towel on head after performing your father’s funeral. Especially when there is an Enskinned Yaa Naa.

If anyone is worried about the absence of Kampakuuya Naa at the Investiture, this is the main reason and nothing more. Tradition and custom did not favour his outing”