The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled Nana Kusi Baaye II, the chief of Ohwim in Kumasi, marking the end of his 16-year reign. The decision followed a series of serious infractions, with the most significant being the desecration of the Great Oath—a fundamental aspect of Asante tradition. Other charges included extortion, illegal land sales, illegal mining activities, and abuse of traditional authority.
The central offence that led to Nana Kusi Baaye II’s removal was his violation of the Great Oath. In a chieftaincy dispute involving Adede, the chief was approached by the legitimate claimants, who requested his truthful testimony. Despite knowing their rightful ownership, he demanded ¢6,000 to support their case. Instead, he accepted money from the opposing side and falsely testified before Otumfuo. The King, however, identified the deceit, which amounted to a breach of the oath sworn to uphold truth before the Golden Stool.
The destoolment proceedings revealed multiple allegations that further justified Otumfuo’s decision:
- Contempt for the Great Oath: The chief’s sister, Akosua Nyamesem, testified that after invoking the Great Oath three times to prevent him from selling royal cemetery lands, he contemptuously responded, “If the Great Oath has legs, let it come and arrest me.”
- Illegal Sale of Lands: A royal, Dwumakye Baapanin, accused Nana Kusi Baaye II of falsely claiming ownership of Dwumakye lands and selling over 200 plots under the pretext that Otumfuo had granted him the authority.
- Illegal Mining Activities (Galamsey): A former Biemso Dikro revealed that the destooled chief seized lands at Biemso, claiming they were for an Otumfuo-sanctioned solar project, but instead used them for illegal mining, causing extensive environmental damage.
- Hostile Rule and Abuse of Power: The former Biemso Dikro recounted being unlawfully destooled and tortured by Nana Kusi Baaye II. The chief also reportedly denied the burial of the family head, who remained unburied for five years, and caused the arrest of several traditional leaders, six of whom died as a result.
- Neglect of Stool Rites: According to the family head, the chief refused to perform essential stool rites, claiming his Christian faith prevented him from participating in traditional ceremonies. This neglect left the stools spiritually unfulfilled.
- Questionable Royal Lineage: A royal woman alleged that the destooled chief was not a legitimate royal. After her request to have her daughter enstooled as Queen was denied, she challenged his royal status by invoking the Great Oath. Nana Kusi Baaye II refused to defend his claim, raising further doubts about his legitimacy.
After hearing extensive testimonies, the Kumasi Traditional Council unanimously called for the chief’s removal. Delivering his final verdict, Otumfuo stressed that the desecration of the Great Oath could not be overlooked:
“You took money and bore false witness after vowing to remain truthful to me under the Great Oath. Do you deserve to occupy the stool? Many have sacrificed to protect the Golden Stool; I will not allow you to destroy it.”
Following the ruling, Otumfuo ordered the immediate performance of destoolment rites and placed Nkwantakese in charge of the former chief. Additionally, the Asantehene reinstated the former Biemso Dikro to his rightful position, nullifying the enstoolment of his replacement.
The destoolment of Nana Kusi Baaye II underscores the Asantehene’s unwavering commitment to upholding the sanctity of tradition and the Golden Stool. By acting decisively against violations, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reinforces the principles of truth, integrity, and respect that are central to the governance of the Asante Kingdom.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
