The kingmakers of Dagbon led by the Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai, have confirmed Yo-Na Abubakari Mahama, as the new Ya-Naa -elect for the traditional area.

Yoo Naa Abubakari Mahama who is the paramount chief of Savelugu was selected after the successful final funeral rites of the late Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani II.

A protracted chieftaincy dispute between the Abudus and Andanis following the murder of Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani II in March 2002, has left the skin vacant for 17 years.

But following successful funeral rites, a new Ya-Naa has been finally selected.

The Kuga Naa confirmed the nomination to Joy News.

He said “we have just finished the funeral rites of the Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani and according to our custom, when we finish the funeral of the Ya-Naa, it is that same night that we enskin a new Ya-Naa to take over…and by God’s grace, we have selected the Savelugu Naa and the new Ya-Naa.”

The Kuga-Naa congratulated the chiefs and people of Dagbon, government and everyone who participated in conducting the successful funeral rites.

The Asanatehene, Otunfuo Osei Tutu II, announced the roadmap to peace in the Dagbon traditional area last year.

The process began with the Abudus organising the first funeral for the late Ya-Naa Mahamudu Abdulai. The Andanis followed after a week with one for the Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani.

The Asantehene led the eminent chiefs who drew a roadmap for peace in Dagbon

After the organisation of these two funerals, the parties involved were to meet, select and install a new Ya-Naa for the people of Dagbon.

All these were contained in the roadmap presented by the three eminent chiefs to the president, Nana Akufo-Addo, Wednesday after over a decade-long mediation between the Abudus and Andanis.

President Akufo-Addo, under whose administration this important milestone has been chalked, has already been described by the Otumfuo Osei Tutu as being very lucky as all three previous governments have tried in vain to bring peace to Dagbon.