On Saturday, November 8, 2025, members of the Lobi-Brifo Group, were led to the palace of the Royal Majesty of the Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bii Kunuto Jewu Soale (I), by a delegation from the presidency, as an intercession initiative.
Speaking to Yagbon Radio 98.9 MHz, Honourable Yussif Sulemena extended his profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Yagbonwura Bii Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) and his elders, just before stating clearly that, the delegation constituted himself, the Regional minister, and the Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress for the Savannah Region, to accompany the council of elders of the Loobi-Brifo Group to the Yagbonwura’s palace to show remorse for the clash of Loobis and Gonjas some months ago.
He added that, a mediation team from the office of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama will soon pay His Royal Majesty a visit, to spell out their mandate and as well ask for some collaboration from Yagbonwura, in order for a lasting and peaceful co-existence to prevail in the Gonja Kingdom.
He ended his submission by extending his regards to the media and everyone present for showing interest and as well participating in the whole process which aims at restoring peace to Gonjaland.
Speaking right after him was Mr.Thomas Bebeh, a representative of the Lobi- Brifo council of elders, who began his speech by first extending his regards to the Royal Majesty for giving their noble group such an opportunity to be in his palace to ask for peace. He as well acknowledged his elders, and everyone present.
Addressing the main issue at hand, Mr. Thomas reminded His Royal Majesty of a similar incident a year back, and how His Royal Majesty, and the chiefs of the Gonjaland worked tirelessly for peace to be restored, which he claimed was almost settled and the unfortunate happened again. An incident popularly known as the Gbiniyiri conflict, for about two months ago, which was triggered by a misunderstanding over a small piece of land, which degenerated into a communal violence. “Lives were lost, properties destroyed, people were displaced, with others seeking refuge in the neighbouring countries”, he said. He then pleaded with His Royal Majesty to “temper justice with mercy” with regards to the Gbiniyiri conflict, as it will restore peace and harmony, and as well enhance the socioeconomic development of the Gonja Kingdom.
He further recounted how peacefully the Gonjas and Brifos have lived for over a century without any life-threatening moment. He also stated that, the Loobi-Brifos never claimed to own the land, because they know fully well that the land belongs to the Royal Majesty who is the overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, and as a result, it is the overlord together with his chiefs and elders who gave out lands to them anytime they needed to build. Mr.Thomas then gave a firm assurance that, the Lobi-Brifo group shall work hard to ensure a peaceful co-existence among people from different ethnic groups in the whole Savannah Region henceforth.
He also stated that the regrettable incident took everyone by surprise and going forward, vigilance will be held in high esteem. Mr. Thomas ended his submission by pleading with His Royal Majesty to accept their plea to be reconsidered.
Kpembiwura, speaking on behalf on His Royal Majesty, stated that, accommodating the Lobi-Brifo group at the palace of His Royal Majesty and giving a listening ear in itself is a way of accepting them back after the unfortunate happened.However, some customary rites have to be performed in order to appease the land as part of the mediation process, he added.
The prescription included seven white cocks,seven sheep, seven goats, hundred cows, seven bowls of white cola nuts, a carton of schnapps, cowries, and an amount of 1billion Ghana cedis (old currency), to be provided by the Lobi-Brifo group as required by tradition, within a period of three weeks for the pacification of the land on which they live and farm on,
only and only if they want to live on the said land once again. It was also stated clearly that, the items prescribed are not to satisfy the needs of any traditional leader from the Gonjaland but to pacify the land.
Having said that, Apostle Dr. Sansah Kunjon, a native of the Lobi-Brifo community, hailed His Royal Majesty for his tolerant heart and all decisions taken to mediate the process. However, he pleaded for the decisions to be reconsidered so as to ease their burden, with regards to how the get the required items.
His plea was however not considered, with the reason being that, the items were originally supposed to be taken just right after the meeting on that same day, but considerations have been made in advance and nothing more can be added nor deducted.
Kpembiwura again stated on behalf of the Yagbonwura that, the pacification will be done in the presence of all and sundry. The meeting finally ended with series of appellations to His Royal Majesty as tradition demands
Source Diwura Abdul Fataw
