Odehye Awuku Amaning
OKUAPEMAN HAS been waiting for their rightful chief to be installed since the demise of the late Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III two years ago, but it appears there is an undue delay that is obstructing the process.
All eyes are now on the leaders of the Sakyiabea Royal Family whose turn it is to appoint a nominee for installation.
Information available to this paper indicates that Odehye Awuku Amaning, a 34-year old unblemished character, has been selected as the nominee.
A product of Presbyterian Senior High School, Legon and the University of Ghana, he is a serious personality and of a responsible, independent and courageous disposition.
However, all are expecting the Okuapehemaa, Nana Afua Nketiaa Obuo, to do right thing for the people of Akropong and Okuapeman, by endorsing the nominee and having him installed. This is because the family has carefully, diligently and unselfishly done the more difficult work of selecting the best candidate.
Consensus
Facts are that the Abusuapanyin and the Aberewatia, Lily Agyeman, of the appropriate royal family of Sakyiabea, after due consultations within the family, agreed on Odehye Awuku Amaning as the nominee of the family.
The detailed documented steps to his nomination and a confidential report on all the contestants have been presented to Nana Afua Nketiaa Obuo.
Fears
Close observers are therefore confounded that the Queenmother is allegedly tolerating dissent by inviting some female royals of the Sakyiabea Royal family to her palace, without the approval of their Abusuapanyin and Aberewatia to provide a nominee.
If such allegations are found to be true, the Queenmother could be accused of undue interference in the affairs of another royal house, akin to the unsuccessful attempt by the late Addo Dankwa III in the year 2013 to appoint an Aberewatia for the Sakyiabea Royal to which he did not belong.
Delay
Nana Addo Dankwa III passed on in August 2015.
The Sakyiabea Royal family, one of the three Ruling Houses, whose turn it is to present a fit and proper candidate, was about to do so, according to the Abusuapanyin, Dr. Nana Obuobisa Newman, but the unfortunate death of the Queenmother, Nana Dokua II painfully put the entire succession process in jeopardy.
Due process
As established by tradition, it became necessary for Nana Dokua’s funeral to be held and a replacement installed before the selection process for a new Okuapehene could commence.
Okuapehemaa’s selection
On Monday 22 May 2017, a new Ohenmea (Queen Mother) from the Nketia Royal family of Akropong, Nana Afua Nketiaa Obuo, an educationist, was peacefully selected in accordance with the time-tested customs and practices of the proud people of Akropong and Okuapeman.
Her formal installation and presentation to Okuapeman was effected on 30th June, 2017 amid joy and merry making.
General expectation
Now that the Ohenmea has properly assumed her position, she is required to officially request the Sakyiabea Royal family to present a qualified, fit and proper person for her consideration and subsequent presentation to Asona Chiefs of Akropong and the entire Okoman for acceptance and enstoolment.
The future of Okuapeman now rests on the shoulders of the Okuapehemea. And all Okuapeman are praying that God will grant her the wisdom and courage to do what she has to do.
By Samuel Boadi