Odike and Otumfuo
AKWASI ADDAI aka ‘Odike’, a politician cum businessman, has rendered unqualified apologies to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Similarly, he has also apologised to the Asanteman and Kumasi Traditional Councils over his recent comments about the illegal mining menace, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
Sounding remorseful, Odike explained that he was deeply hurt and concerned about the devastating effects of illegal mining on the environment, notably river bodies.
In this regard, he said he decided to appeal to the Manhyia Palace, which is a powerful traditional seat, to intervene, but he couldn’t convey his message properly.
According to Odike, who was speaking exclusively to the DAILY GUIDE in an interview, he became emotional and it affected how he packaged his statement.
“I know that Manhyia Palace is a powerful institution in this country, which has powers to order for Galamsey to stop, and that is why I directed my appeal to the palace.
“It was never my intention to direct my appeal directly to Otumfuo, the powerful King. I don’t even have the right to mention Otumfuo’s name in public, I erred badly.
“I am only asking for pardon from the King of Kings in order to clear the way for me to go to the Manhyia Palace, kneel before him (Otumfuo) and beg him properly,” he said.
Odike, who was almost in tears, stated that he is equally begging for pardon from the respected chiefs at the Asanteman and Kumasi Traditional Councils.
He said he has utmost respect for Otumfuo and the chiefs in Asanteman and Ghana in general, stressing that he was deeply sorry over his poorly packaged comments.
Odike, it would be recalled, was in the news recently when he accused chiefs for allowing illegal mining in the country, especially in the Ashanti Region.
His comments, which was deemed offensive, compelled the Kumasi Traditional Council to ban him from visiting the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene.
Odike, who has virtually become a ‘refugee’, has relocated to the national capital of Accra. He now wants to return to his base in Kumasi to kneel and beg Otumfuo for pardon.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi