REGSEC Issues Stern Warning to Media Over Succession and Death of Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II

The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has issued a stern warning to media outlets and social media commentators to desist from speculating on the death of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, and the subsequent selection of his successor. REGSEC Chairman Adolf Ali John emphasized that speculative reports and inflammatory commentary pose a significant threat to the peace and security of the Dagbon traditional area. This directive follows the passing of the late Yaa-Naa after a brief illness and his burial at the Gbewaa Palace in accordance with Dagbon customs.

The warning aligns with a formal prohibition from the Head of the Dagbon Council of Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Abdulai Adam II, who urged the public to refrain from discussing the succession on social media and other public platforms. During the seventh-day funeral rites at the Gbewaa Palace, Chairman Adolf Ali John stated that security agencies are actively monitoring media activities and narratives. He cautioned that individuals or organizations found spreading misinformation or speculative content would face legal consequences. The council underscored that the customary responsibilities regarding the funeral and the enskinment of a new Overlord are the sole preserve of the Dagbon Traditional Council and the Kingmakers.

The late Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II played a pivotal role in the stability of the region, having been enskinned in January 2019 following the resolution of a decades-long chieftaincy dispute. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to the unity and development of the Dagbon Kingdom. Given the historical sensitivity of the succession process, REGSEC is prioritizing the maintenance of order to prevent any regression into past tensions. Security forces have been deployed, and comprehensive measures are firmly in place to ensure that the remaining funeral rites and the transition process proceed without disruption.

As the Dagbon Kingdom enters this critical period of mourning and transition, regional authorities have called for total cooperation from all stakeholders, including journalists and the general public. By allowing the traditional processes to unfold without outside interference, REGSEC aims to preserve the peace that has characterized the region in recent years. The focus remains on a dignified transition that honors the legacy of the late Overlord while upholding the sacred traditions of the Dagbon people.