Pennsylvania Dagomba Naa Palace Official

History of Savelugu Naa Mahami Akonsi
Good evening. Today we are talking about Savelugu Naa Mahami Akonsi, a strong and respected figure in the history of Dagbon. He was the first son of Naa Abdullai Nagbiew, and he also served as the regent of his father.
His Decision to Go to Zambalma
When the conflict between Dagbon and Zambalma began, Savelugu Naa Mahami decided to lead the war himself. Following tradition, he informed the chiefs around him.
He first sent a delegation to Naa Andani Jirlondi, telling him he was going to Zambalma.
Naa Andani did not approve of the journey and advised him not to go, but he refused.
He then sent a delegation to Zangbalun Naa Aduna, informing him about the war.
He told Zangbalun Naa Aduna to take good care of his son Gurgurlo so the boy could grow up and one day ascend to any skin in Dagbon.
He also sent word to his uncle, Kwor Naa Mahami, about the journey.Finally, he sent a message to Zuu Yiri, who was both his brother and the regent of Naa Andani Jirlondi.Zuu Yiri said he could not follow him to Zambalma because he was waiting to become his father’s regent.
Instead, he sent his brother Bukali Jia to represent him.
The Battle and Its Aftermath
Savelugu Naa Mahami went to Zambalma but he never returned.
After his death:
• His regent Gurgurlo ascended to Banvim.
• From Banvim, Gurgurlo later became the Chief of Savelugu.Gurgurlo’s regent was Savelugu Naa Guawling Guawling.
How He Became Known as Mahami Akonsi
Savelugu Naa Mahami was powerful and when he first came to Savelugu he brought strong traditional warriors with him. One of them was a brave soldier named Akonsi.
Whenever Akonsi approached the palace, the Akarma drummers would play the Tempane in a rhythm that sounded like:
“If you are a man come, if you are a man come.”
The praise was so bold that Savelugu Naa Mahami asked who the drummers were honoring like that. He was told it was his warrior Akonsi.He then called Akonsi, removed his own cloth, and placed it on him as a mark of great honor. From that day the warrior’s name was added to his own title. That is how people began calling him:Savelugu Naa Mahami Akonsi
His Lineage.Savelugu Naa Mahami Akonsi gave birth to Gurgurlo.Gurgurlo gave birth to Savelugu Naa Guawling Guawling.The brother of Guawling Guawling was Banvim Lana Abdullai.Banvim Lana Abdullai gave birth to the immediate past Chief of Banvim.
Image:Banvim LAN Abdullai