Barimah Saasi Ayeboafo II
Barimah Saasi Ayeboafo II, Chief of Mamponteng in the Ashanti Region, has filed a lawsuit against the founder and leader of Roja City International Church at Atimatim, Pastor Samuel Henry, popularly known as Prophet Roja, following a prophecy predicting his death and the demise of other chiefs in his jurisdiction.
Attached to the suit are the Angel Broadcasting Network, and Ali Baba Dankambary, a presenter at Angel FM.
According to the writ of summons, the chief is seeking a retraction of the prophecy, a public apology, and substantial financial compensation for the distress caused him.
The writ also seeks a perpetual injunction to restrain Prophet Roja, Ali Baba Dankambary, Angel Broadcasting Network, and their associates from further publishing or broadcasting defamatory statements against the chief on any media platform.
The suit, filed by his lead counsel, Yaw Acheampong Boafo of the Gye Nyame Chambers in Nhyiaeso-Kumasi, stems from a live broadcast on Kumasi-based Angel FM, during which Prophet Roja allegedly prophesied doom for Barimah Saasi Ayeboafo II and members of the Mamponteng Palace.
During the broadcast, Prophet Roja allegedly warned the Oyoko family within the Manhyia Palace—the seat of the Asantehene—to exercise caution in their spiritual practices, claiming their actions could have dire consequences for the Mamponteng Palace.
“If they are not cautious, they risk the well-being of the entire Mamponteng Palace. It will begin with the chief linguist; they will witness the fall of a significant pillar. If care is not taken, the chief himself may be next,” Prophet Roja reportedly said.
Hosted and moderated by Ali Baba Dankambary, the prophet further questioned the chief’s well-being, casting doubt on his ability to rest peacefully. “Nana, I don’t know, but I must ask: are you able to sleep soundly at night, considering the visions you are experiencing and the issues that surround you?” Prophet Roja inquired.
Prophet Roja further claimed that “Ali, within this week, before Friday, you will call me here at the station to tell me that you have seen and understood, because of what I am saying is something that will happen this very week. Ali, I am not saying two weeks’ time. I am giving you the exact date and time. I say this week, before Friday, you will hear news that at Mamponteng, the linguist (Kyeame) or the Onyina tree planted there will fall. And should that tree fall, then the Chief of Mamponteng should pray.”
Barimah Saasi Ayeboafo II, deeply offended by these public pronouncements, considers the prophecy a direct threat to his life and the safety of his subordinates, and asserts that should any harm befall him or his associates, Prophet Roja must be held accountable.
“The chief views these utterances as a grave matter. He is seeking legal recourse to ensure his safety and that of his people. We trust that the courts will address this matter fairly and decisively,” a spokesperson for the Mamponteng Palace stated.
The suit is praying for general damages of GH¢10 million for defamation, an order compelling the defendants to retract the defamatory statements and render an unqualified apology.
He is also seeking an order compelling the Angel Broadcasting Network to permanently erase and delete the defamatory statements from all its media platforms.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi