Bukali Ii (2026)
Written and published by the SouleMap editorial team. Published July 13, 2026. This tribute was not created by the family. Are you a family member? Claim this memorial.
In loving memory of Bukali Ii. Passed away July 12, 2026.
Their Story
Bukali II, known as Gariba II, was the 41st Yaa Naa, the paramount traditional ruler of the Kingdom of Dagbon in Northern Ghana. Born into royalty at Mion as the son of Mahama II, who ruled as Yaa Naa from 1938 to 1948, Bukali carried the weight of generations of leadership. His mother, Ayishetu, was a princess from Kulunkpegu in Northern Ghana, cementing his place within the royal lineage. Before his elevation to the highest office, Bukali served as chief of Kpunkpono and was later promoted to Savelugu, one of the three gate skins from which successors to the Yaa Naa traditionally emerge. His path to the paramount stool was cleared following a prolonged chieftaincy dispute that had left the Yendi skins vacant for 16 years. On January 18, 2019, the kingmakers of Dagbon ordained him as the 41st Yaa Naa, restoring leadership to the historic kingdom. Throughout his tenure as Yaa Naa, Gariba II represented the continuity of Dagbani traditions and served as a custodian of his people's cultural and political heritage. He passed away on July 12, 2026, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as a unifying figure after years of chieftaincy turmoil.
Sources
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