The traditional leadership of Yilo Krobo has declared that it no longer acknowledges Oklepeme Nuer Annorbaa Sasraku II as the Paramount Chief. This decision was made public at a press briefing in the Eastern Region, where the Divisional and Sub-Divisional Chiefs announced a sweeping rejection of his authority and confirmed that they will not participate in the 2025 Kloyosikplemi Festival.
The chiefs, led by Nene Anyeenorgu Teye Agor IX of Okper, indicated that their stance is definitive. They argue that the Paramount Chief has consistently abandoned the cultural duties that uphold the spiritual identity of Yilo Krobo. According to them, these lapses have destabilized long-standing traditions and weakened the sacred institutions that guide the traditional area.
A series of concerns were laid out during the announcement. The leadership accused the Paramount Chief of discarding essential rites, including libation, ceremonial use of schnapps and water, and the sacrifice of sheep during significant traditional events. They also raised alarm over his failure, spanning a decade, to honour the Yilo ancestral stool, which they regard as the core of community unity and heritage.
The chiefs referenced a 2017 decision of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, which directed the Paramount Chief to remain within the palace to carry out mandatory duties. They believe his continued absence from these responsibilities not only violates that ruling but also undermines his entitlement to leadership.
Another issue that deepened the rift involves his public statements during a religious gathering in 2023. The chiefs consider those remarks a serious spiritual breach, comparable to a past case that resulted in destoolment within the area. They also accuse him of interfering with the sacred Kuntu — an ancestral altar said to contain gold bars and mineral deposits representing contributions from the six divisions. The chiefs allege that the original sacred materials were removed and replaced with stones and anointing oil. They intend to request police involvement to determine whether valuable ancestral items have gone missing.
Concerns were also raised about changes to installation ceremonies. The chiefs say the Paramount Chief now installs linguists and queenmothers through religious rituals rather than traditional procedures, allowing pastors to handle sacred items that are normally reserved for palace custodians. They added that the annual Kloyosikplemi Festival has shifted from a cultural gathering to a religious event, despite the existence of an earlier planning committee made up of representatives from all six divisions.
To resolve the situation, the traditional leaders have issued an ultimatum to the Paramount Chief’s family. By December 31, 2025, they expect the issues to be addressed. If that deadline passes without action, they intend to appoint an Acting President for the Traditional Council, pursue criminal investigations into the handling of the Kuntu, and seek to enforce contempt proceedings.
Until then, the chiefs have withdrawn entirely from the upcoming festival, arguing that the event no longer represents Yilo Krobo heritage. They insist that the Paramount Chief has lost their recognition and will be regarded privately rather than as the occupant of the stool.
