Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged traditional rulers to desist from going to politicians for freebies and gifts, stressing that such things demean the dignity of the revered chieftaincy institution.
He observed that some chiefs often depend on politicians for support, for which reason the chieftaincy institution is fast losing its relevance and respect in the eyes of the people, especially the teeming youth.
The Asantehene also said over-reliance on politicians for assistance seems to be creating deep cracks in the front of the revered traditional leaders. He, therefore, admonished chiefs to behave well, stay united and protect their image.
“We troop to politicians begging them for certain things so we are divided at the front,” Otumfuo remarked during the official opening of the rehabilitated National House of Chiefs building situated at Manhyia in Kumasi.
According to him, it is high time chiefs put their house in order and behaved appropriately to retake their noble position as the fathers of the country as it was some time ago.
He said because chiefs are not administering their fatherly duties properly in the country, they are being overlooked as the public is counting on civil society groups to act as fathers.
The Asante King, without mincing words, stated that chiefs, notably the National House of Chiefs, seemed to be reneging on their special and unique roles as fathers and peacemakers for the country, so they must sit up now.
He indicated that there is no way chiefs should sell their dignity and heritage to politicians because of freebies, pointing out that politicians came to meet the chieftaincy institution so the respect for chiefs should be protected.
He was of the strong conviction that the chieftaincy institution still continues to have unique and special contributions to make towards the maintenance of peace and the effective transformation of the country; hence, chiefs should take note.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi