The Andani Royal Gate of Dagbon will address a news conference on Monday on this weekend’s one-sided celebration of the Damba festival. The Andanis led by the Regent, Kampakuya-Na Abdulaye Yakubu Andani, did not take part in the celebrations. Only the Abudus are said to have celebrated the first part of the Damba festival in Yendi called Somo Damba. The second and third parts will be celebrated next weekend. Joy News Mahama Shaibu reported that the festival took place in Tamale at the palace of the regent of Gushegu, Ziblim Abdulai. Unlike previous Damba festivals, yesterday’s was not heavily attended. Most people stayed out of the celebration in solidarity with the acting king of Dagbon, Naa Yakubu Andani, who declined to celebrate the festival on the grounds that the Abudus have decided to celebrate it independent of his authority. True to his words, the festival was celebrated by the Abudus without his authority. It is however not clear whether the customary right, which is Naa Yakubu’s sole preserve was performed.