Yendi: The Dagbon Kingdom is expected to have a new ruler following the death of Ya-Na Abukari II, bringing renewed attention to the history and traditional succession of one of Ghana's oldest and most influential kingdoms. Dagbon, which has existed for several centuries, is believed to have been established between 700 and 900 years ago and has played a significant role in the political, cultural, and economic history of northern Ghana and parts of West Africa.
According to Ghana Web, the origins of the kingdom trace back to Tohazie, popularly known as the "Red Hunter", a warrior believed to have hailed from Zamfara in present-day northern Nigeria. Tohazie, renowned for his hunting and archery skills, migrated westwards and eventually settled in a village within the Mali Empire. The village was suffering from a drought, with its water source occupied by a dangerous bush cow. Tohazie led the people to defeat the animal, restoring access to the water and subsequently organizing the community for defense against neighboring threats. In recognition of his contributions, Tohazie was given a Malian princess, Pagawubga, in marriage, and they had a son named Kpogon-umbo.
Kpogon-umbo, after facing conflict with the expanding Songhai Empire, moved southwards with his followers, eventually ruling over Biun in present-day Gurma. His son, Naa Gbewaa, later established his kingdom at Pusiga in present-day north-eastern Ghana, where he ruled until his death. Following Naa Gbewaa's demise, succession disputes among his sons Zirili, Tohagu, Mantambo, and Sitobu led to the fragmentation of the kingdom. Each son established their own kingdom, with Tohagu founding the Mamprusi Kingdom, Mantambo establishing the Nanung Kingdom, and Sitobu forming the modern Dagbon Kingdom.
Sitobu's son, Naa Nyagsi, expanded the kingdom through warfare and established its capital at Yani Dabari, near present-day Tamale. In the 18th century, the capital moved to Yendi due to persistent conflicts, and under the rule of Naa Zangina, trade flourished with connections to the Fezzan region and the Bight of Benin. Dagbon's interactions with Dyula and Hausa traders positioned it as a major trading center in West Africa.
Colonial interventions in the late 19th century saw Dagbon divided between German and British territories, which disrupted the unity of the kingdom. However, after World War I, the kingdom was reunited under British administration, though colonial policies reinforced ethnic hierarchies and economic challenges. Despite these historical disruptions, the Gbewaa Palace still stands in Yendi, with the kingdom organized into various chieftaincies.
Today, the succession system in Dagbon involves the Abudu and Andani royal families, with succession historically rotating among three royal houses before narrowing to these two principal gates. The death of Ya-Na Abukari II has brought the kingdom's rich history and intricate succession system back into focus, highlighting the enduring legacy and complexities of Dagbon's royal traditions.