Government has officially handed over the Old Gbewaa Palace to the Abudu Royals in Dagbon to perform the funeral of the late Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV.

They have two weeks to perform the funeral and subsequently the Andani family are also expected to perform that of the late Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II from January 4 to 18, 2019.

After signing an undertaken, the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Sae-ed gave the keys to the Abudus Head, Mba Dugu Iddrisu Iddi at the forecourt of the newly constructed structures.

The newly constructed structures at the Old Gbewaa Palace are meant for the funerals of the two late Dagbon Overlords.

As Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Salifu Sae-ed pleaded with the Abudus to zealously safeguard the Palace.

He added that nobody would be allowed to act contrary to the dictates of the final roadmap to peace restoration in the Dagbon State.

He said the security operatives there would not tolerate acts of indiscipline and implored residents of Yendi to remain law abiding before, during and after the two funerals performance.

Ahead of the handing over ceremony, the Abudu family kick-started the much awaited funeral of the late Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV today (Thursday).

People from all walks of life have arrived in the Yendi Township to participate in the event.

They include paramount and sub chiefs, tourists and locals from the Dagbon Traditional Area and beyond.

By the official programme line up, the Abudus Regent, the Boling-Lana Mahamadu Abdulai will today (Thursday) occupy the newly built temporary Gbewaa Palace and he is on Friday, December 15, 2018.

The final funeral is scheduled for December 27 which will be climaxed with a Muslim prayer on December 28.

There will be memorial lectures on Wednesday December 19.

Imams and Pastors in the Northern Region have intensified their prayers for a peaceful Dagbon before, during and after the funerals.

The Dagbon Malimi Zungo (DAMAZ) association and the Dagbon Forum (DF) have doubled their support to promote and sustain the desired peace, unity and genuine reconciliation in Dagbon.

The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has again reinforced security visibility there.