The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has upheld Nana Opoku Duben II’s authority over the Adwumfuohene black stool, settling a long-standing dispute between Adwumfuohene and Adumasa.
The case was brought before the Kumasi Traditional Council by the Family Head of Adumasa, who accused Adwumfuohene of forcefully taking possession of the black stool immediately after swearing allegiance to the Asantehene.
According to him, the newly enstooled chief arrived with security personnel and some men to seize the stool.
Upon further scrutiny, it was confirmed that the black stool had historically belonged to Adwumfuohene.
Otumfuo also criticized the Adumasa leaders for taking the dispute to the media rather than following traditional protocols.
The chieftaincy dispute between Adwumfuohene and Adumasa has been ongoing, with both sides claiming authority. While Adwumfuohene considers Adumasa its subject, Adumasa maintains that it operates independently.
The roots of this tension trace back to the era of Asantehene Opemsuo Osei Tutu. At the time, a delegation from Denkyirahene, which included the goldsmith of Denkyira, was sent to Asante to collect tributes.
While the rest of the delegation was executed, the Asantehene spared the goldsmith’s life, recognizing his value. He was later designated to oversee Adumasa but was eventually relocated to Adum, where he could serve the Asantehene more closely. To maintain authority over Adumasa, he appointed an Odikro to manage the area on his behalf.
Despite this arrangement, the black stool remained in Adumasa until Nana Opoku Duben II retrieved it after his enstoolment, reigniting the dispute.
With Otumfuo’s ruling, the matter has been settled, reinforcing Adwumfuohene’s position over the black stool.
