The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council is set to summon the Chief of Etwereso and head of the Odau sub-division, Dassebre Ofoso Kwabi Ayebiakwe, before its Standing Committee over alleged inflammatory remarks against the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin.
State Secretary Daniel Marfo Ofori Attah warned that the comments could threaten peace and stability, adding that sanctions will be applied if the chief is found culpable.
A viral video shows the Etwereso chief suggesting a possible breakaway from the council if he is not granted sole authority to install a chief for Osenase.
He insists no chief can be installed in the area without his approval, describing the stool as his preserve, despite acknowledging the authority of the Okyehene.
“On the Osenase case, the Okyehene at the State Council said he has consulted some elders, that if I don’t change my mind, he will use the linguist to install a new chief. I speak as the Odau chief, none can come here to install a chief, unless I, Daasebre Kwabi Ofosu. All the Odau towns, by customary joined Okyeman out of friendship, I shall always revere Okyehene, but the stool is mine, if he says he will come and install a new chief himself for Osenase, I will not allow it,” he said.
The State Secretary Daniel Marfo Ofori Attah, said such pronouncements, if confirmed, breach customary law and could attract serious consequences.
He adds that the chief will be given a fair hearing before further action is taken.
“We have watched the video and heard witnesses confirm the statement he made. That is treason. But of course, he may deny it or plead for mercy. The Okyehene is the overlord and has allodial ownership of all lands under his jurisdiction. Any chief who breaches established customary laws and traditions will face the consequences, as provided by the laws of this country. We shall invite him for a fair hearing on Friday before the Standing Committee takes further decisions,” Mr Marfo said.
Traditional leaders from nine of the twelve Odau sub-division towns have distanced themselves from the remarks made by the Etwereso chief and signed a resolution reaffirming their allegiance to the Ofori Panin Stool under the leadership of the Okyehene.”
Meanwhile, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has performed traditional rites by slaughtering a sheep and pouring libation in protest of the alleged inflammatory remarks and awaits the outcome of the hearing.
Chieftaincy disputes continue to fuel violence, disrupt development, weaken traditional authority, and deepen social divisions in affected communities.
By Yvonne Neequaye
