Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II (1945–2002) was born in August 1945 in Sagnarigu, a suburb of Tamale in present-day Northern Ghana. His father was Andani Mahama, also a previous king of Dagbon who reigned from 1968 to 1969, while his mother was Zenabu Mahama, who hailed from Savelugu.
He was named after his great grandfather, Yaa-Naa Yakubu I (1824–1849). He was his father’s eldest son and the only child of his mother. He attended Yendi primary and middle schools and taught as a pupil teacher for several years.
Before he became Yaa Naa, he had already married three wives and shortly after his inauguration, they were sent to Zohi, a suburb of Yendi, where they were conferred with titles. The first wife obtained the title Gbanzalun, the second wife became Katini, while the third one was given the title Sologu.
By the time of his death in March 2002, Yaa Naa Yakubu II had 26 wives, and each of them was similarly conferred with titles in accordance with Dagomba tradition. He was survived by 103 children including Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani; his first son who became caretaker overlord of Dagbon.
Before his death, Yaa Naa Yakubu II was instrumental in the establishment of the University for Development Studies in northern Ghana.
