The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled 90-year-old Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II, who had reigned for 54 years.
The former Member of Parliament was stripped of his title on Monday, September 2, 2024, during a meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace.
The destoolment was due to his desecration and abuse of the Great Oath of the Asante Kingdom (Ntamkɛseɛ), a grave offense in Asante tradition.
Otumfuo criticized Nana Opia Mensah II for his apparent disregard for the solemnity of the Great Oath and accused him of attempting to distort history for personal gain.
He pointed out that Nana Opia’s educational background and contributions during the Busia era were the reasons he was entrusted with the stool, despite not being of royal lineage.
“Nana Opia, despite knowing the stool wasn’t rightfully yours, you deceitfully invoked the Great Oath,” the Asantehene stated.
“You were fully aware that the stool didn’t belong to you, yet you chose to challenge its ownership. You thought your long reign would give you an advantage, allowing you to hide behind the Great Oath. However, since you exploited and misused the Great Oath, you must relinquish the stool.”
In accordance with tradition, the chief’s traditional slippers were immediately removed, symbolizing his destoolment.
The destoolment followed a report presented to the Council on August 15, 2024, which revealed that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia belongs, is not the rightful royal house; that honor belongs to the Oyoko Clan.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, visibly disturbed by the frequent misuse of the Great Oath by chiefs, took the opportunity to recount the significance of the oath.
He explained that the Great Oath reflects a time of deep sorrow for the Asantehene, when several of his nephews died, leaving him fearful that he might not have an heir to succeed him.
The survival of his sister’s fourth child, following the intervention of the kingdom’s priest, led to the establishment of the Great Oath.
“This is my deepest sorrow, and yet it is now being abused,” Otumfuo lamented. “I share this history today so that you may appreciate and honor it. When individuals invoke it and come before me, I caution them about the consequences. Let it be known that no one, regardless of their position, can invoke it and escape punishment if found guilty.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Justice Bediako
