Tolon Na Suleman Bila II, son of Na Doozo, reigned during one of the most tumultuous times in Dagbon’s history. His short but significant reign (1899–1900) witnessed a major clash between Dagbon and the Germans, an event referred to in Dagbon oral tradition as the “Sang Dali la” (the day at Sang). The conflict, which resulted in massive bloodshed, is remembered for the immense courage and sacrifice of the Tolon Na and his warriors.
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The Chieftaincy Conflict and the German Involvement
The origins of the Battle of Sang lie in a chieftaincy dispute between two princes of Yani: Na Alaasani Tipariga and Zuu Yiri, both members of the same royal family. This period of internal strife was often referred to as “Mabi Kura Naba Tuubu Shei”, meaning “a scuffle in the same family.” The conflict began when Na Andani II, shortly before his death, expressed his wish that his elder brother’s son, Na Alaasani Tipariga, would succeed him as the Ya Na. However, this plan was thwarted when Tugulan Yiri, Na Andani’s first son and chief of Tugu, opposed the decision, with support from his uncle, Savelugu Na Dahamani (Kukarije).
Tugulan Yiri took aggressive steps to prevent Na Alaasani Tipariga from performing the funeral rites of his father, Na Andani, and ultimately took over as Ya Na. In exchange, he promised Savelugu Na Dahamani the Savelugu skin in a deal that allowed Savelugu Na Dahamani to become Ya Na, while Tugulan Yiri would inherit Savelugu. This manipulation of the succession led Na Alaasani Tipariga to seek help from his uncle, Korinaa Bukali.
Believing that their opponents had drawn their strength from the British, who had settled in western Dagbon, Na Alaasani Tipariga and Korinaa Bukali turned to the Germans for support. They approached the Germans in Sansanemango (modern-day Togo) with a proposal: if the Germans helped them make Na Alaasani Tipariga the king of Dagbon, they would grant the Germans the legitimacy to settle on Dagbon lands. With European colonial powers, including the British and Germans, vying for control over territories in West Africa, the Germans were quick to seize the opportunity and agreed to assist.
The Clash at Sang
With all the Dagbon customary rites for the installation of the new Ya Na Dahamani completed, Tolon Na Suleman Bila II and other powerful chiefs set off toward Yendi. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they stopped at Sang, where they intended to pay their respects and observe the funeral rites for one of Ya Na Andani’s late wives, the mother of Mionlan Abdulai.
As the funeral rites neared completion, tragedy struck. In the dead of night, the Germans, armed and prepared, besieged the town of Sang. The first casualty of the battle was a pregnant woman, who had awoken early to gather firewood. The Germans unleashed a brutal assault on the town, and within a few short hours, the losses among the Dagomba were immense.
Tolon Na Suleman Bila II’s Sacrifice
As the battle raged, the call to flee, Sokam gbaimi Wohu Kubobri (literally, “everybody should flee”), echoed through the town. The son of Kasulilan Yahaya, “Di kpaŋya diŋ, di ka dambu” (literally, “It has been hardened, it cannot be shaken”), took Zangbalun Na Mahama and disappeared into thin air. They reappeared in Zangbalun and lived to tell their story. Naasike’s son, Mahama Kurili, also disappeared into thin air, as did Savelugu Naa Bukali Jia.
However, Tolon Na Suleman Bila II, bound by his oath of allegiance to protect and defend the Ya Na day and night, refused to flee. His words, “I will never run, leaving my father behind,” embodied the oath every Tolon Na swears. By custom, the Tolon Na was tasked with protecting the Ya Na in times of war, and he was expected to die on the battlefield before the Ya Na was harmed. True to his word, Tolon Na Suleman Bila II remained at the frontlines, fighting fiercely in defense of the Ya Na and Dagbon.
Many of the most powerful figures in Dagbon lost their lives during the Sang Dali la. Among the fallen were Zuu Yiri, Tolon Na Suleman Bila, GaliweeNaa Azima, Galiwee Kambɔnnaa, Galiwee Achiri, Savelugu Kambɔnnaa, and Tuɣu Kambɔnnaa. Even the sons of Savelugu Naa Bukali Jia, Nabiyɔŋ Salifu Ayei and Nabiyɔŋ Bilema, perished in the battle. The Germans, having defeated Tolon Na Suleman Bila II and his forces, advanced toward Yendi, only to find that the new Ya Na Dahamani had already fled the traditional seat of power in Yani.
With Ya Na Dahamani out, Na Alaasani Tipariga ascended to the skin, sitting on the Yani skins and becoming the new King of Dagbon. Though victorious, Tolon Na Suleman Bila II paid the ultimate price in the defense of his king and kingdom, fulfilling his sacred duty as the protector of the Ya Na and Dagbon.
The Legacy of Tolon Na Suleman Bila II
The death of Tolon Na Suleman Bila II marked the end of his reign but solidified his legacy as a leader who stood firm in his duty to protect and defend the Ya Na and Dagbon. His name is still invoked in drum history and by the praise singers of Dagbon, who recount the bravery of the warriors who perished at the Battle of Sang. Their sacrifice is an enduring reminder of the loyalty and strength that the Tolon Na embodies in service to the Ya Na.
The events of Sang Dali la continue to shape the history of Tolon Nam, serving as a testament to the dedication of chiefs like Tolon Na Suleman Bila II, who lived and died by the oath they swore to uphold Dagbon’s honor and protect its people.
