Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is going hard on his subordinates who are flouting his directives, which are to ensure the smooth governing of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Nana Kwaku Duah III, the Chief of Abuontem, is the latest to be hit by the Asantehene’s wrath.
He was dethroned on Monday, 21st August 2023, for his failure to adhere to the directives of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and his involvement in land transactions.
The announcement was made during a gathering at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, August 21, where the Kumasi Traditional Council convened to address the matter.
The subchiefs of the Otumfuo presented a litany of accusations, including claims that he exploited the Otumfuo’s name to gain approval for his actions on the disputed land, despite the ongoing investigation.
Nana Kwaku Duah III was also accused of encroaching on territories belonging to others and encouraging land sales without proper authorization.
Nana Kwaku Duah III denied the specific accusation of using Otumfuo’s name as leverage for his actions, however, he admitted to his presence on the land but noted that he allowed others to work on it with his permission.
“With all due respect, Nana, I am not feeling well, I’m feeling dizzy now…but I am pleading because, to be honest, and to speak the truth, I have never stood anywhere before to claim that his Lordship has ruled over a matter in my favor, that is the exact truth I have never claimed that before, what I said to Nana Acheamfour is that, I permitted them to work on the land,” he said.
The Chief of Adumoa in the Afigya Kwabre District, Nana Osei Tiri Ababio, Chief of Bekwai-Abodom, Nana Saforo Koto, both experienced the loss of their chieftaincy titles earlier this month.
In June, the Asantehene also destooled Nana Nketia Boampong II, the Chief of Kwaso, a town in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. In May, Nana Kwame Owusu Agyeman, the Chief of Antoa, a renowned town in Asanteman, faced destoolment for violating customary procedures and engaging in multiple land sales.
These destoolments have primarily revolved around issues such as the illicit sale of land, transactions with illegal miners, and violations of customary rites.