Otumfuo Committee warns Journalists over Dagbon issues

The committee of Eminent Chiefs, headed by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has sternly warned the media to shun false reportage.

The warning followed recent media reports that suggested that the roadmap that has been reached to help resolve the longstanding Dagbon chieftaincy crisis had broken down.

The three Eminent Chiefs, who are resolving the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, have insisted that the roadmap, which is supposed to lead to the successful funeral rites of the late Yaa Naa Andani Yakubu II, should continue unabated, contrary to false media reports.

The committee has therefore appealed passionately to all stakeholders, especially journalists, to seek clarification from them before they report on the Dagbon chieftaincy issue.

“The committee appeals to the media and the general public to seek clarification on matters concerning Dagbon Peace Process from the committee through the Northern Regional Security Council before going to press”, according to the committee.

They also said no changes had been made in the roadmap so they have charged the Northern Regional Security Council to provide adequate security for the roadmap to be followed strictly.

In a press release authored by Kofi Badu, the Chief of Staff of Manhyia Palace, dated January 12, 2019, it said: “The final funeral rite of the late Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II is continuing in accordance with the roadmap”.

Highlighting the impending programmes in Dagbon, he said all customary process would continue to pave way for the performance of the funeral by the elders of the Andani Royal Family on Sunday, January 13, 2019.

Kofi Badu also indicated that Kampakuya-Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai would perform the circumambulation to complete the funeral process on Friday, January 18, 2019.

In the evening of Friday, January 18, 2019, he said 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 has further directed that the Northern Regional Security Council provides adequate security to facilitate the smooth performance of the funeral by the Andani Royal Family and the selection of Yaa Naa by the elders of Dagbon,” according to the press release.

Kofi Badu said it is the hope of the Eminent Chiefs that all stakeholders would cooperate fully to ensure the successful conclusion of the roadmap, and to pave way for the restoration of peace in Dagbon.