Yendi’s Naa Binbiegu Tua - 332-year-old sacred mythic baobab tree

 Called “Naa Binbiegu Tua”, the tree was named after a former Overlord of Dagbon, Zangina Zuu Jinjli, who reigned between 1687-1700 and is believed to be the most unattractive Ya-Na in the history of Dagbon.

The 332-year-old tree used to serve as a sacred place where Naa Binbiegu mounted his gods and idols for sacrifices and libations for the Dagbon Kingdom. 

Motive

History has it that the motive behind the name of the tree was due to the unattractive nature of the chief and his struggle to ascend to the Dagbon throne. As the eldest son of Naa Zangina, a former Overlord of Dagbon, he was expected to be the regent after the demise of his father and oversee the performance of his funeral.

After the demise of his father, Naa Binbiegu consulted elders of Dagbon and family members to perform the funeral rites of his late father, which brought to light a new Overlord, Naa Andani Sigli.

However, he was not compensated with any chieftaincy role or title after serving as the regent of Dagbon due to his supposed looks. According to historians, when Naa Andani Sigli passed on, people started teasing Naa Binbiegu, asking him to put on the chieftaincy regalia and crown himself as the Ya-Na.

He was forcefully adorned with the chieftaincy regalia by the princesses who sang tunes of Damba and he danced back and forth, finally moving into the Gbewa Palace. The chief drummers sang appellations to Naa Binbiegu, such as “Naa Binbiegu Yi polo ku lahi sogu” which literally means, your ugliness has come to light and can no longer hide.

This event on that day signified the installation of Naa Binbiegu as the next Ya-Na and the predecessor of Naa Andani Sigli. His reign lasted for 13 years.

Tourism potential

The tree has since been preserved as sacred for its cultural and historical importance. However, the site has not been developed to tap its full tourism potential. Currently, the tree, situated in the heart of the town, has been left bare with not even a signpost mounted for easy identification. Instead, under its giant branches, shops are being put up.