Ghana: Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II Chieftaincy Dispute Resolved

• Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II has been formally outdoored as the chief of Dorimon after a four-year dispute.
• His initial enskinment on June 3, 2022, was followed by a protracted challenge that was ultimately settled in his favor.
• The Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs definitively resolved the chieftaincy dispute.
• The outdooring ceremony included traditional rites such as leaping over a cow, attended by various dignitaries.
• Leaders at the event called for unity, infrastructural development, and cross-border cooperation.

The definitive resolution of this Dorimon chieftaincy dispute was ultimately achieved through the authoritative decisions rendered by the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and subsequently upheld by the National House of Chiefs.

Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II has officially been outdoored as the chief of Dorimon, located in the Wa West District of Ghana's Upper West Region, marking the end of a four-year chieftaincy dispute. This significant ceremony, which took place on Thursday, November 7, 2026, solidified his leadership after a protracted challenge had prevented his formal public presentation despite his initial enskinment on June 3, 2022. The resolution of this long-standing disagreement came definitively in his favor, following rulings by both the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs.

The outdooring was characterized by its unique and grand adherence to local customs and traditional rites. A central part of the colourful event involved Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II leaping over a cow, a ritual performed in the presence of various dignitaries including chiefs, Imams, queen mothers, security personnel, and local residents. His spiritual godfathers, the Imams, accompanied him, reciting verses from the Holy Quran as he walked around the animal before undertaking the symbolic jump. This public affirmation of his authority was a moment of profound cultural significance for the community.

The formal outdooring of Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II as the Dorimon chief underscores the critical role of Ghana's established chieftaincy institutions in resolving complex succession disputes. His initial enskinment on June 3, 2022, was immediately met with a challenge that escalated into a four-year legal battle, preventing his public presentation. The definitive resolution of this Dorimon chieftaincy dispute was ultimately achieved through the authoritative decisions rendered by the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and subsequently upheld by the National House of Chiefs.

These rulings highlight the definitive jurisdiction and legal authority vested in these traditional bodies to adjudicate and settle such matters, providing a clear example of the legal process and the finality of their decisions within Ghana's chieftaincy law. The outcome in the Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II chieftaincy dispute resolution serves as a significant precedent, demonstrating how the hierarchical structure of chieftaincy institutions ensures order and legitimacy in traditional governance, even in the face of prolonged contention. The process affirmed Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II's rightful claim, allowing for his official public recognition.

Following the traditional rites, a grand durbar convened, drawing a diverse array of delegations from across Ghana and neighboring countries, including Dagbon, Mamprugu, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. In his acceptance speech, Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II expressed gratitude to the people of Dorimon for their trust and appealed to the government to address the numerous developmental challenges confronting the area. He emphasized the importance of community unity, advocating for a shared vision to benefit current and future generations.

The Member of Parliament for Wa West, retired Superintendent Peter Lanchene Toobu, also addressed the gathering, focusing on infrastructure, culture, and peace. He informed attendees that key road networks, specifically those connecting Wa to Dorimon, Dorimon to Wechiau, and Wechiau to Ga, had garnered the President's attention. Mr. Toobu recounted that during a recent visit to Wa West, the President had directed the Minister for Roads and Highways to ensure the construction of these vital routes. He further confirmed, following a parliamentary meeting with the Minister three days prior, that the presidential directive was being acted upon, signaling impending development for the region, contingent on community cooperation.

A message from the Speaker of Parliament, delivered by his Principal Marshal, Wing Commander Frederick Bawa, urged the newly outdoored chief to foster an environment that accommodates dissent and embraces diverse perspectives within his leadership. International solidarity was also evident, with a 60-member delegation from Dagbon, led by Dalunlanaa, Tafah Mahamudu III, attending on behalf of Kampakuya-Naa, Yakubu Abukari II, expressing their unwavering support. A statement from the Mamprugu Kingdom affirmed Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II's ancestral ties, noting his forefathers' migration from Mamprugu, through Dagbon, to Dorimon. Furthermore, Chief Canton de Gaoua, Albert Bifaate II, leading the delegation from Burkina Faso, called upon the Presidents of Ghana and Burkina Faso to construct a bridge over the Black Volta, aiming to facilitate trade and movement between the two nations.

This case illustrates the definitive role and jurisdiction of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs in settling protracted chieftaincy disputes in Ghana, providing a clear example of the legal process and the finality of their decisions.

Source: Original reporting via Rafiq Salam