The Dagbon Traditional Area has been plunged into fresh mourning following the death of the Paramount Chief of Tolon, Major (Rtd) Sulemana Abubakari, just days after the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II.
The death of the Tolon Naa has compounded the grief within the traditional kingdom, which is still mourning the loss of its overlord.
Major (Rtd) Sulemana Abubakari occupied a significant position within the Dagbon traditional system, serving as the traditional defence chief of the Yaa Naa. The Tolon stool has historically been associated with the mobilisation of warriors and the defence of the Dagbon kingdom.
Born in 1943 at Tali, the late chief had a distinguished career in both public service and the military. He served as an escort officer to Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, before pursuing a career in the Ghana Armed Forces, from which he retired with the rank of Major.
He was the eldest son of the late Tolon Naa Alhassan Sulemana. Following his father’s death, he was appointed Regent of Tolon in 2001, a position he held for 18 years while the traditional processes surrounding his succession were completed.
In 2019, he was formally enskinned as the substantive Tolon Naa by the late Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II after the completion of his father’s funeral rites.
His passing has created a poignant moment for the people of Dagbon, coming at a time when the traditional area is already grappling with the death of the Yaa Naa.
As a senior figure in the Dagbon hierarchy, the Tolon Naa’s death is expected to be widely mourned across the traditional area, with attention now turning to the customary processes for his funeral and succession.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the relevant traditional authorities. The final rites will be conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions and established Dagbon customary practices.
