Yaa Naa bans Tamale Cleric over ‘disrespectful’ sermon

The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, has imposed an indefinite ban on Afa Abdul Rauf, popularly known as Afa Abrofu, a cleric of the Ambariya Sunni Community in Tamale, prohibiting him from delivering Islamic sermons of any kind.

The decision, announced at the Gukpe Naa’s Palace following a meeting between palace authorities and leaders of the Ambariya sect, extends to all forms of preaching, including sermons at social and religious gatherings such as naming ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and community events.

The directive follows a viral video in which Afa Abrofu was heard making remarks deemed disrespectful to the Yaa Naa and the Dagbon traditional institution.

In the sermon, delivered in Dagbani, the cleric reportedly warned that “no chief should be likened to the Owner of the Universe or described as the provider of food for mankind.” The palace interpreted the comments as a direct affront to the Yaa Naa’s authority, noting that such appellations are traditionally reserved for the Overlord.

In recent months, Yaa Naa Abukari II has raised concerns over divisive sermons within Dagbon, urging Islamic preachers to promote unity and avoid hate speech. The Overlord has cautioned that any cleric who engages in inflammatory preaching will face strict sanctions to preserve peace and religious harmony across the kingdom.

According to palace officials, the ban on Afa Abrofu is not intended as persecution but as a measure to uphold the dignity of traditional leadership and deter similar conduct by other religious figures.

The development has sparked mixed reactions in Tamale and beyond, with some residents backing the Yaa Naa’s decision as a step toward maintaining respect for tradition, while others have called for dialogue between the palace and the cleric to resolve the matter amicably.

By: Baba Kamil Mohammed, Northern Region.

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