Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
THE CHIEF of Ahenkro, near Offinso, in the Ashanti Region, Nana Ahenkro Sei Ababio III, has been destooled in a traditional way in Kumasi.
He was found culpable of breaching a firm order of his Overlord, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, resulting in his eventual destoolment.
The ousted chief reportedly defied Otumfuo’s order that bans chiefs in Asanteman from taking land and chieftaincy issues to court.
Besides, Nana Sei Ababio III was found guilty of arrogating overlord status on himself and being bossy, contrary to Ashanti customs.
Wild Jubilation
There was spontaneous jubilation in the Ahenkro town when news of the ousted traditional leader was delivered to the people.
In a video, which has since gone viral on social media, the people of Ahenkro, including women and children, were seen dancing in ecstasy.
Chiefs Destooled
The destoolment of the Ahenkro chief brings to two the number of chiefs in Asanteman who have been destooled by Otumfuo in less than one week.
The Asafohene, Acheamfuor Kwame Akowuah, who was also the Akwamuhene of Otumfuo was destooled by the Asante King.
The Asafohene was accused of indulging in several illegal activities, prominent of which included his gross disrespect to the Great Oath of Asanteman.
Ahenkro Chief Destoolment
Giving his verdict on the Ahenkro chief at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Monday, the Asantehene said the ousted chief should blame himself.
According to the Ashanti Monarch, the deposed traditional leader became ‘pompous’ and also acted as if he was above reproach, which he said was wrong.
Otumfuo, therefore, cut short the 20-year reign of the Ahenkro chief, stating that Nana Sei Ababio III is no longer a chief.
Fear Grips Chiefs
In a related development, there are reports that most of the chiefs in Asanteman have been gripped with fear following the ousting of two chiefs in less than one week.
According to sources at the Manhyia Palace, the chiefs have realized that a least mistake on their part could result in their destoolment by their Overlord, Otumfuo.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi