Angry Abudus vow to occupy Gbewaa palace

The Abudu Royal family in the Dagbon chieftaincy divide says it will explore other means to occupy the Gbewaa palace to perform the funeral of late Na-Mahamadu Abdulai IV if they are denied access to the palace by January 25, 2016.

The family said the growing lack of commitment by President Mahama and the committee of eminent chiefs to perform the funeral rites of the late chief at the palace is heightening tension and increasing anxiety among members of the family.

Addressing a news conference in Yendi in the Northern region, Vahindi Naa, Dr. Nantogmah Mahama warned that the family should not be blamed for any confusion in the area.

He maintained that by preventing the Abudu gate from entering the palace is providing a platform that would be a “clear a recipe for violence”.

“We will explore all means to [access] the Gbewaa palace to perform the necessary rites,” Dr. Nantogmah Mahama said.

He also noted that the family will no longer cooperate on any matter of custom that does not have the blessing of the regent of Gushegu.

He added that the leadership is finding it difficult to convince the Abudus that the President and Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s committee are committed to peace in Dagbon.

“The non performance of the final funeral rites of the Na-Mahamadu Abdulai in the palace, that of the deceased Ya-Na, is the single most important threat to peace and stability of the Dagbon Traditional Area in particular and the security of the nation in general,” he said.