Tolon Na Yakubu Tali succeeded Tolon Na Abla Zeggu, following the reigns of Na Alaasani and Na Abla Bla. His leadership marked a transformative period for Tolon Nam, as the role of the Tolon Na shifted from martial defense to one of intellectual defense and political influence. Born to Tali Na Asan, whose chiefship ended at the Tali division, Tolon Na Yakubu Tali played a significant role in maintaining the territorial integrity of Dagbon without the need for warfare. His reign was defined by his diplomatic acumen, intellectual leadership, and unwavering commitment to resolving chieftaincy disputes and conflicts.
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Intellectual Defense and the Andani-Abudu Conflict
During the reign of Tolon Na Yakubu Tali, Dagbon witnessed a critical chieftaincy crisis following the death of Ya Na Abudu. The return of the Nam (chieftaincy) to the Andani Gate saw Savulugu Na Abukari installed as the new Ya Na. This decision, however, was met with severe opposition from prominent figures such as Karaga Na Abukari and Mionlana Abukari, who refused to acknowledge Savulugu Na Abukari as the rightful Ya Na.
The crisis threatened to destabilize Dagbon, and it was Tolon Na Yakubu Tali, in his capacity as the Ya Na’s Defense Minister, who played a key role in mediating between the factions. Using his intellectual abilities, he persuaded the Andani faction to accept the overlord’s decision, ensuring that peace was maintained in Dagbon. This demonstrated his ability to defend the interests of Dagbon through diplomacy rather than armed conflict, marking a shift in the nature of Tolon’s role within the kingdom.
The Savulugu Crisis and Zangbalun Na Mahama
Another significant challenge during Tolon Na Yakubu Tali’s reign was the usurpation of the Savulugu chieftaincy by Zangbalun Na Mahama. After Ya Na Yakubu denied Zangbalun Na Mahama the Savulugu skin and offered it to Na Ablai, Zangbalun Na Mahama seized the Savulugu Palace by force.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Ya Na Yakubu sent a delegation to Tolon Na Yakubu Tali, asking him to intervene and execute his mandate to restore order in Savulugu. Upon receiving the message, Tolon Na Yakubu prepared to remove Zangbalun Na Mahama from the palace. However, word of Tolon Na’s intentions reached Zangbalun Na Mahama, who fled through a back wall of the palace before Tolon Na Yakubu arrived, thus avoiding defeat and humiliation.
The Role of Tolon Na Yakubu Tali in the Na Mahamaru Crisis
As Tolon Na, Yakubu Tali defended the state with great determination when an irregularity arose in Dagbon between 1969 and 1974. Na Mahamaru was deskinned, an action that was contrary to the traditions and customs of Dagbon. According to my informant, this development was alien to the customary practices of Dagbon. Tolon Na Yakubu Tali played a critical role in appealing to the head of state at the time, General Acheampong, arguing that Na Mahamaru could not be removed as the Ya Na. He contended that deskinnedment was foreign to the traditions of the people and challenged critics to investigate the historical precedent in Dagbon.
Based on Tolon Na Yakubu’s argument, the Dagbon kingmakers later approached Jerry Rawlings to appeal against General Acheampong’s 1969 decision. The Supreme Court eventually ruled that deskinnedment was indeed alien to Dagbon’s customs, affirming the case made by Tolon Na Yakubu. The court reversed the decision to remove Na Mahamaru, recognizing him as the legitimate Ya Na, while also confirming Ya Na Yakubu as the the substantive Ya Na
The judgment further stated that if Na Mahamaru had been alive (and Tolon Na, Mionlana, and Nantong Na were deceased at the time), then Na Mahamaru would have been responsible for enskinning their successors. It also ruled that Na Mahamaru’s first son could aspire to the Mion chieftaincy, and at Na Mahamaru’s death, he deserved a befitting burial as the Ya Na, with his funeral conducted accordingly. This victory, engineered by Tolon Na Yakubu Tali, underscored his vital role in defending the Ya Na and safeguarding the traditions of Dagbon.
Political Contributions and National Leadership
Beyond his role in Dagbon’s chieftaincy, Tolon Na Yakubu Tali was a highly respected figure in Ghana’s political and socio-economic landscape. Born in 1916, Alhaji Yakubu Alhassan Tali (as he was known before becoming Tolon Na) was a paramount chief, politician, and founding member of the Northern People’s Party (NPP). His early life was marked by a determined pursuit of education, which led him to become the first northerner to attend the prestigious Achimota College, where he studied alongside future luminaries such as Kwame Nkrumah and Edward Akufo-Addo.
Upon returning to Northern Ghana, Yakubu Tali became a teacher and translator, bridging the gap between the colonial administration and local communities. His leadership in the Northern Territories Council and his contributions to the Coussey Constitutional Council were instrumental in shaping the path toward Ghanaian independence.
As the leader of the Northern People’s Party and a Member of Parliament, Tolon Na Yakubu Tali earned the title “Golden Voice of the North” for his eloquent speeches and political influence. His diplomatic skills extended beyond Ghana’s borders, serving as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and Ambassador to Yugoslavia and Sierra Leone. Even during times of political turmoil, Yakubu Tali’s integrity and wisdom ensured continuity and stability in Ghana’s foreign relations.
Legacy of Tolon Na Yakubu Tali
Tolon Na Yakubu Tali’s legacy transcends his roles as a paramount chief and politician. His intellectual defense of Dagbon’s traditions, his contributions to Ghana’s political development, and his commitment to peace and unity made him a transformative figure in both local and national spheres. His ability to mediate and resolve conflicts, as seen in the Na Mahamaru crisis and the Savulugu chieftaincy dispute, showcased his dedication to preserving the cultural and political stability of Dagbon.
His life’s work, rooted in education, diplomacy, and service, continues to inspire future generations, reminding them of the power of leadership based on principles of integrity, unity, and peace. The story of Tolon Na Yakubu Tali serves as a beacon for leadership in Ghana and beyond, a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on shaping the destiny of a nation.
