One of the factions in the Bimbilla chieftaincy dispute has defied a directive from the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) asking it not to enskin a new regent following the burial of Nakpaa Naa Salifu Dawuni.

The chief died 2014 but threats of chieftaincy clashes between the two factions stalled the burial.

Following Nakpaa Naa's burial last night, security has been beefed up in the area and REGSEC in a statement signed by the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed directed that all processes leading to the installation of a new regent should be halted.

The statement stated the consequences if the group goes ahead with the installation saying “for the avoidance of doubt, you are to desist from actions such as the installation of a regent, drumming and any related activities that have not been cleared by the Security Council.

“The security agencies will deal with any violation of the above directive in line with the provisions of the law,” it added.

But the family of the Nakpaa Naa Salifu Dawuni went ahead to install a new chief.

Joy News’ Martina Bugri reported that a new regent was installed Thursday morning after a ceremony.

The reporter said the spokesperson for the Nakpaa family told her the ceremony was not characterised with the usual pomp and pageantry. 

The reporter was not clear whether this was a violation of the directive as the reporter said journalists sighted the report in the afternoon.

She, however, confirmed that the previous permit given was for the burial and not enskinment of a new regent. 

But Zakari Sumani, a spokesperson for the Bimbilla Naa Salifu Dawuni family who confirmed the enskinment said the directive is a new development. 

"We know that chief's burial goes with the installation because immediately you bury a chief you install the successor to step in the father's shoes," he said.

According to him, they were shown the statement from the Minister on Thursday evening after they have installed Somlona Yussifu in the morning.

He added that the directive does not in anyway nullify the enskinment refuting claims that there is tension in Bimbilla.