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, which was announced at the Gukpe Naa’s, followed a meeting between palace authorities and leaders of the Ambariya sect.
The Chief Linguist, speaking on behalf of the Overlord, stated that the ban extends to all forms of preaching, including sermons at social and religious gatherings such as naming ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and community events.
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The directive was issued in response to a viral video circulating on social media, in which Afa Abrofu was heard making remarks considered disrespectful and offensive to the Yaa Naa and the Dagbon traditional institution.
In the sermon, delivered in Dagbani, the cleric reportedly cautioned that no chief should be likened to the Owner of the Universe or described as the provider of food for mankind.
The palace interpreted these comments as a direct attack on the Yaa Naa’s person and an attempt to undermine the authority of the Dagbon throne, since such appellations are traditionally reserved for the Overlord.
In recent months, Yaa Naa Abukari II has expressed concern over the rising trend of divisive and antagonistic sermons within the Dagbon kingdom. He has repeatedly called on Islamic scholars and preachers from all sects to uphold decorum and promote unity in their teachings.
The Overlord has also warned that any cleric who engages in hate speech or inflammatory preaching would face strict sanctions to preserve peace and religious harmony across Dagbon.
By enforcing the ban on Afa Abrofu, the Dagbon Palace aims to set an example and reinforce the Overlord’s earlier directive. Palace officials say the move is intended not as persecution but as a measure to protect the sanctity of the traditional leadership and to deter similar conduct among other religious figures.
The development has sparked mixed reactions in Tamale and beyond, with some community members supporting the Yaa Naa’s decision as a necessary step to maintain respect for tradition, while others have called for dialogue between the palace and the cleric to resolve the matter amicably.
