Dorimon Finally Gets Its Chief: Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II Outdoored After Four-Year Wait

After more than four years of legal wrangling and uncertainty, the people of Dorimon in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region finally celebrated the official outdooring of their new chief, Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II, in a colourful ceremony steeped in tradition and regional significance.

Though he was first enskinned on 3rd June 2022, a protracted chieftaincy dispute had prevented his public outdooring — a critical step in the formal recognition of a traditional ruler in many Ghanaian communities. That dispute was eventually resolved in his favour by both the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs, clearing the path for Thursday's grand celebration.

A ceremony rooted in tradition and faith

The outdooring ceremony blended indigenous customs with Islamic spiritual observance in a manner that reflected the unique cultural identity of the Dorimon community. In one of the most striking moments, Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II leaped over a cow — a traditional rite — while Imams who served as his spiritual godfathers walked alongside him, reciting verses from the Holy Quran. Chiefs, queen mothers, security personnel and residents all gathered to witness the moment.

The ceremony was followed by a durbar that drew delegations from across the sub-region, including representatives from Dagbon and Mamprugu within Ghana, as well as groups from Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire — underscoring the cross-border ties that define many communities in Ghana's northern corridors.

A 60-member delegation from Dagbon, led by the Dalunlanaa, Tafah Mahamudu III, attended on behalf of the Kampakuya-Naa, Yakubu Abukari II, and expressed solidarity with the new chief. A statement from the Mamprugu Kingdom noted that the new chief shares a common lineage with their people, tracing his ancestry to Mamprugu through Dagbon before his forefathers settled in Dorimon.

What this means for Dorimon and the wider Upper West Region

In his acceptance speech, the new chief appealed to the government to tackle the numerous development challenges confronting the area, calling for a community united around a shared vision for current and future generations.

The Member of Parliament for Wa West, retired Superintendent Peter Lanchene Toobu, offered some encouraging news on infrastructure. He told the gathering that road links between Wa and Dorimon, Dorimon and Wechiau, and Wechiau and Ga had been brought to the attention of the President, who reportedly directed the Minister for Roads and Highways to ensure construction proceeds. The MP said he had personally confirmed with the minister days before the ceremony that work would be carried out as directed.

A message from the Speaker of Parliament, read by his Principal Marshal, Wing Commander Frederick Bawa, urged Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II to govern inclusively — creating space for dissenting voices and welcoming those with differing perspectives.

One notable call came from the leader of the Burkina Faso delegation, Chief Canton de Gaoua, Albert Bifaate II, who appealed to the presidents of Ghana and Burkina Faso to construct a bridge over the Black Volta River. He argued that such a structure would ease the movement of people, goods and services, significantly boosting trade between the two neighbouring countries — a proposal that aligns with broader ECOWAS goals of regional integration and economic cooperation.

Chieftaincy disputes and the importance of resolution

Chieftaincy disputes remain a significant challenge across Ghana, particularly in the northern regions, where overlapping lineage claims, land interests and political dynamics can stall the installation of traditional rulers for years. The resolution of the Dorimon dispute through the established Houses of Chiefs demonstrates how formal traditional governance structures can provide legitimate pathways to peace — even if the process is slow. With Naa Seidu Tungbani Salinbille II now fully outdoored and recognised, Dorimon can focus on the development agenda its people have long awaited.