Tension is said to be mounting in the Yendi township following the Abudu’s defiance of a directive to the Chiefs and people of Yendi not to celebrate the festival, TV3’s Zubaida Ismail reports.
The Regent of Dagbon and acting President of the Dagbon Traditional Council, Kampakuya-Na Andani Yakubu Abdulai, announced the cancellation of this year’s celebration in the Yendi Township because of what he said is the erosion of their traditions and customs.
“The Damba festival cannot be celebrated when the very foundation of the customs and traditions are being destroyed on the basis of convenience and peace, irrespective of its far-reaching repercussions on the Dagbon Kingdom,” the Regent said in a statement.
Notwithstanding, the Regent of the Abudu Gate [Bolin-Lana], Mohammed Abdulai, led the Abudu family last Thursday to celebrate the weeklong festival in Yendi. The motive behind the Abudus defiance is not known.
But a letter issued by the REGSEC cautioned the Abudu’s against further activities to climax the celebration on Thursday.
The directive from the REGSEC, according to our correspondent, has not gone down well with the Abudu family who sources say, are likely to disregard the REGSEC warning.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the area due to the tension which could escalate into a clash between the two Abudus and the Andanis who have been feuding since the murder of the overlord of area, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani in 2002.
Peace and stability in the area has over the years been disturbed by recurring clashes between the two royal families, and has led to the death of dozens.
By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com
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