The Paramount Chief of the Tolon Traditional Area, Naa Yab Tolon Naa Sulemana Abubakari, has died, throwing the people of Tolon and the wider Dagbon Traditional Area into mourning.
The late traditional ruler, who was also a retired Major of the Ghana Armed Forces, was a prominent figure within the traditional hierarchy of Dagbon. His death comes shortly after the passing of Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, the Overlord of Dagbon, deepening the sense of loss among chiefs, elders and residents of the traditional kingdom.
Major (Rtd.) Sulemana Abubakari was born in 1943 at Tali. He was the first son of the late Tolon Naa Alhassan Sulemana and followed a career that combined military service with traditional leadership.
He joined the Ghana Armed Forces in 1963 and eventually retired with the rank of Major. During his military career, he also served as an escort officer to Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
Following the death of his father, Sulemana Abubakari became Regent of Tolon in 2001. He remained in that position for about 18 years before being enskinned as the substantive Tolon Naa in 2019 by the late Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II.
The Tolon skin holds an important position in the traditional structure of Dagbon. Historically, the Tolon Naa has been associated with the defence of the Dagbon Kingdom and the mobilisation of warriors. The role therefore carries both traditional and historical significance within the kingdom.
His background as a former military officer also gave an added dimension to his position as traditional ruler. Throughout his years as chief, he was involved in matters concerning the welfare and development of communities within the Tolon Traditional Area.
In 2024, for example, the Tolon Naa donated 500 acres of land to the University for Development Studies (UDS) to support research and agricultural development initiatives, including organic shea production.
His death has therefore created another major loss for Dagbon at a time when the traditional area is already mourning the passing of its Overlord.
The final rites for the late Tolon Naa are expected to be conducted in accordance with Islamic and Dagbon traditional customs. Details concerning the funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the appropriate traditional authorities.
The passing of Naa Yab Tolon Naa Sulemana Abubakari marks the end of the reign of a traditional ruler whose life spanned military service, traditional leadership and community development.
As the people of Tolon prepare to bid farewell to their chief, tributes are expected to continue pouring in from traditional leaders, public officials and residents who knew and worked with him.
His death leaves behind a significant legacy within the Tolon Traditional Area and another period of mourning for the people of Dagbon.
Source: Thepresradio.com
