Otumfuo Ends 54-Year Reign of Wirempehene

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II for violating the revered Asante Sacred Oath (Ntamkɛseɛ).

This decisive action was taken on Monday, September 2, 2024, during a session of the Kumasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace, where Nana Opia Mensah II was censured for blatant disrespect towards the sacred traditions of the Ashanti people.

Despite having served as a Member of Parliament and reigning as Wirempehene for 54 years, the 90-year-old chief was stripped of his title for attempting to manipulate historical facts for personal gain, thus breaching both statutory and traditional laws.

Otumfuo stated, “Nana Opia, you knowingly and deceitfully invoked the Great Oath, despite being fully aware that the stool did not rightfully belong to you. You deliberately challenged its ownership, attempting to exploit your long reign to conceal your illegitimacy.

“However, by misusing the Great Oath for personal gain, you have forfeited your claim to the stool. Your actions have left you no choice but to relinquish the throne.”

In a symbolic act of his removal from office, Nana Opia Mensah II’s traditional slippers were swiftly removed, signifying his destoolment according to custom.

This action followed a detailed report submitted to the Council on August 15, 2024, revealing that Nana Opia Mensah II’s affiliation with the Aduana Clan did not represent the rightful royal lineage. Instead, it was affirmed that the Oyoko Clan rightfully inherited the throne.

Last month, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II destooled three other prominent chiefs, the Sabronum Gyaasehene, the Akyeamhene, and the Baamuhene; for their involvement in illegal mining activities known as ‘galamsey’ in the Ashanti Region.

This decision underscored Otumfuo’s commitment to environmental preservation and upholding traditional authority. Following a thorough investigation into their roles in galamsey, these chiefs were stripped of their titles, responsibilities, and community leadership status.

Galamsey has ravaged the environment in Ghana, particularly water bodies and farmlands, prompting governmental and traditional leaders to take a firm stance against it. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been outspoken about its detrimental effects on the environment and public health in the Ashanti Region. His leadership advocates for sustainable development and the protection of natural resources.

The destoolment of these chiefs was announced during the Asanteman Council meeting on August 26, 2024, at the Manhyia Palace. It sends a clear message that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law, and that traditional leaders play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment and upholding the law within their communities.