Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has reinforced the importance of tradition in the elevation of the Fiapre stool to paramountcy, stressing that due process must be followed before any progress is made.
Speaking at the Asanteman Council meeting on Monday, Otumfuo explained that the delay in Fiapre’s elevation stems from the absence of a substantive chief at Awua Dumase, the ancestral home of Fiapre.
He emphasized that customs must be observed, stating, “I do everything in accordance with tradition. I allowed Fiapre to wait due to the absence of Awua Dumase. I wanted to deal with his father first before I proceeded to him.”
Fiapre, historically founded by a son of Awua Dumase, remains under the jurisdiction of the Asantehene. However, Otumfuo made it clear that before Fiapre is elevated, Awua Dumase must first install a legitimate chief.
He has directed that once Awua Dumase resolves its leadership dispute and enstools a chief, they must officially present Fiapre’s chief to him for the elevation to proceed.
Currently, Awua Dumase faces a leadership crisis due to a dispute over the legitimacy of the Queen Mother and her chosen candidate.
A committee has been set up to resolve the matter before a new chief is installed.
Obrempong Professor Kyem Amponsah II, the current chief of Fiapre, is expected to be elevated once these traditional processes are completed. Otumfuo’s insistence on upholding tradition underscores his commitment to maintaining the integrity of Asanteman’s leadership structures.
