The Chief of Damongo in the Savannah Region, Damongo Wura Kelly Boresa, along with his sub-chiefs, has called on the NPP leadership and Chieftaincy Minister to call the Damongo MP, Samuel Abu Jinapor, to order.
“The chiefs and people of the Damongo Traditional area will not tolerate any attempt by the MP to disrespect, undermine, and disregard the authority of Damongo Wura or compromise the security of Damongo and its environs,” the chief stated.
The chiefs and elders expressed their displeasure during a press conference in Damongo.
The Damongo skin says he has experienced relative tension, suspicion, and property destruction over the past seven and a half years.
Following the death of Damongo Wura Lermu Jakpa in 2016, two kinsmen, Damongo Wura Kelly Seidu and Damongo Wura Yakubu Imoro Gbedease, both claimed legitimacy over the same skin.
Damongo Wura Kelly Seidu petitioned the Northern Regional House of Chiefs for redress, and the case was referred to the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs after the creation of the Region.
A three-member Judicial Committee, constituted by the late Yagbonwura Sulemana Tuntumba Boresa I, has yet to deliver a verdict after several postponements.
The spokesperson for the chiefs, Saa Wura Abukari Jaga, stated that since his affirmation, Damongo Wura Kelly Seidu Boresa has reached out to all stakeholders, including the MP for Damongo, for the development of the traditional area.
However, the MP for Damongo has not recognised the legitimacy of Damongo Wura and has refused to work with him.
“All stakeholders except the MP for Damongo have duly recognised the legitimacy of the Damongo Wura and have indicated their willingness to work with him,” Jaga said.
Jaga further accused Abu Jinapor of covertly meddling in an already settled matter and failing to recognize the decision of the Yagbonwura and his Council of Elders in affirming Damongo Wura Seidu Kelly.
The chiefs expressed their disappointment with the MP’s interference in matters that should be handled within the traditional setup, stating that his actions have caused widespread discontent among the people.
The chiefs issued an ultimatum: “Should the MP continue to ignore this humble call by the Damongo Wura and his sub-chiefs, we assure him that our community will, within a month, have no choice but to organise a massive demonstration to express our discontent and seek appropriate remedies from higher authorities.”
In response, the MP for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, through the NPP Damongo constituency Secretary, Kadiri Abdul Rahaman, stated that he would respond to the chiefs in due time.