The Dagbon State has clarified that the late King and Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom should be officially referred to as Ya-Naa Abukari II, and not Ya-Naa Abukari Mahama II.

The clarification follows the passing of the 41st Yaa-Naa, whose death was officially confirmed on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

According to a Dagbon State communication sighted by Dagbon FM of Class Media Group (CMG), the correct royal title is Ya-Naa Abukari II, which should be used in all official references, media reports and public communications.

Born on January 1, 1939, at Mion to Mahama II, a former Yaa-Naa, the late King first served as chief of Kpunkponobefore becoming chief of Savelugu, one of the three gate skins eligible to ascend to the Dagbon skin.

A member of the Andani Royal House, he was enskinned as the 41st Yaa-Naa on January 18, 2019, ending the 16-year Dagbon chieftaincy dispute and succeeding Yaa-Naa Yakubu II.

Ya-Naa Abukari II passed away on July 11, 2026, at the age of 87, and was laid to rest at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi in accordance with Islamic tradition and the customs of the Dagbon Kingdom.