The overlord of Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii- Kunuto Jewu Soale I, in concert with the Churowura and sonyowura, kutunkure gate and kingmakers of Damongo skins, have affirmed Damongowura Kelly Seidu Braimah as the rightful successor to Damongowura Tuntumba Jakpa after eight years of dispute.
The groundbreaking decision brings to an end, eight years of conflict between two elders of the Dangepe gate who both laid claim to the skin, a situation which left Damongo without a chief.
In a brief but straightforward plenary event at the forecourt of the Yagbonwura’s residence, the factions were charged to live in peace with each other.
Background
The Damongo chieftaincy dispute started in 2016 after the death of the late Damongo wura Jakpa James Tuntumba.
Two factions claimed to be the rightful successor of the skin, after kingmakers and elders settled on Damongo wura Seidu Kelly Boresa I.
Over the past eight years, the conflict has affected development in the Damongo community.
Several attempts by the Savannah Regional Security Council and the West Gonja Municipal Security Council, since 2019, to bring the chieftaincy dispute to an end, was met with fierce resistance from both factions.
Following the passing of Yagbonwura Tuntumba and subsequent enskinment of Yagbonwura Soale Jewu Bikunuto, the affirmed Damongowura Kelly Seidu Braimah had reason to withdraw the chieftaincy deadlock from court and redirected the matter to the Yagbon skins.
The kingmakers, upon several engagements and broader consultations have on Friday November, 24, 2023 settled on Damongo Wura Seidu Kelly Boresa I, as the rightful occupant of the Damongo skin.
Security
The Savannah Regional Security Council has since beefed up security in the Damongo community to avert any eventualities.
Military and Police officers have, since the verdict was announced, been patrolling the Damongo community and providing protection to both feuding factions.