The Neglect of Gonja Tradition: The case of Yagbon Imam

The Yagbon Imamship is the highest religious authority in the structural arrangement of the Gonja Kingdom. In the Gonja traditional hierarchy, the political and spiritual order recognised only two personalities with the title “Yagbon”: The Yagbonwura (overlord of the Gonja kingdom) and the Yagbon Imam (the supreme Chief Imam of the Gonja kingdom). These two figures embody the dual and highest structure on which the Gonja state rests: that is, political authority and spiritual guardianship.

Both the Yagbonwura and the Yagbon Imam are expected to relocate to Damongo when they assume office and are expected to remain there until their demise. When the seat of the Gonja paramountcy was in Nyange, the two leaders were provided with a permanent residence within the Jakpa palace, thereby symbolising their centrality to the Gonja state.

In modern Gonja, however, only the Yagbonwura is provided with a permanent residence in the palace, while the Yagbon Imam lives in a private residence in Damongo, which is deeply troubling. The Yagbon Imam leaves with his entire family, either in Bole or Buipe, to reside in Damongo, a town that is not his original home.

Notwithstanding the role and responsibilities demanded by his office, the Gonja Kingdom has failed to provide him with a permanent residence within the Jakpa palace, as it has in the case of the Yagbonwura.

This traditional infraction not only undermines the dignity of the Yagbon Imam but also undermines the sacred office of the Yagbon Imamship. It is essential to note that the absence of a permanent residence for the Yagbon Imamship near the palace hinders the Yagbon Imams' ability to be constantly available at the palace to lead prayers and attend to the spiritual needs of the Yagbonwura.

It is significant, however, to mention that the late king and overlord of the Gonja state, Yagbonwura Tuntunba Boresa I, recognised this traditional infraction and began the construction of a permanent residence of the Yagbon Imamship within the Jakpa place. The late Yagbonwura’s action was considered by many to be timely and an attempt to correct a long-standing infringement, thereby restoring the traditional balance between political (chieftaincy) and spiritual (Imamship) authority in Gonjaland.

It is instructive to note, however, that when the Yagbonwura Tuntunba passed away on February 4, 2023, the project was abandoned, leaving this traditional infraction unresolved.

It is significant to state that even when President Johan Dramani Mahama in 2024 financed the rebuilding of the Jakpa Palace into a modern complex, provision for the Yagbon Imam's residence was disregarded and overlooked. At this point, the very foundation of the Gonja's religious and spiritual order was left unaddressed again.

The consequences of this infraction became so visible, particularly during Yagbon Limam Togma Mahama's reign, which lasted from 2001 to 2016. Yagbon Limam Togma became increasingly worried about his possible eviction from his house of residence following the death of his landlord. The Imam requested time to relocate. However, he was eventually allowed to remain in the house until his own demise in 2016.

Such situations are humiliating for an office that commands such spiritual authority. That the supreme Chief Imam of Gonjaland must struggle for accommodation in Damongo should not only concern the ordinary Gonja man but also the custodians of the Gonja tradition.

The royal estate of Gonjaland must know that the resources of the Gonja Kingdom are not the sole inheritance of the Yagbonwura or his divisional chiefs. They are also to be shared with the clerical group of the Gonja Kingdom, whose spiritual contributions were foundational in the creation and sustenance of the Gonja Kingdom.

When the Gonja royals selectively uphold Gonja traditions and cultures, such as celebrating Damba, Achang, Jintigi, or Kade Tuo (Fire Festival), and disregard the structural provision for the Yagbon Imamate of the Gonja Kingdom, it erodes the very principle underpinning the establishment of the Gonja state and upon which Gonja identity rests.

Conclusion

It is Important to note that the Gonja Kingdom was not just a political establishment or creation but a fusion of religious and political authority. It is these two that guaranteed the survival of the Gonja state for centuries. The Yagbon Imamship is not a peripheral institution within Gonja tradition, but rather the spiritual axis of the Gonja Kingdom.

Therefore, to sideline the Yagbon Imamship is to weaken the entire structure of the Gonja Kingdom. At this point, it is necessary to call on the Gonja traditional council to act and prevent this traditional infraction from continuing. It is worth noting that a permanent residence for the Yagbon Imamship is not a privilege; it is a traditional right, a historical and sacred obligation.