On Monday, September 2, 2024, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, destooled Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II for violating the esteemed Asante Sacred Oath (Ntamkɛseɛ).
This action was taken during a session of the Kumasi Traditional Council held at the Manhyia Palace, where Nana Opia Mensah II faced reprimand for his blatant disrespect towards sacred traditions.
The former chief, aged 90 and a former Member of Parliament who had served for 54 years, lost his title for distorting historical facts for personal gain, thereby breaching both statutory and customary laws.
“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,” Otumfuo declared.
As part of the symbolic act of his removal from office, Nana Opia Mensah II’s traditional slippers were immediately taken off, signifying his destoolment according to custom.
This decision came after the Kumasi Traditional Council reviewed a detailed report on August 15, 2024.
The report revealed that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia Mensah II belongs, does not have a legitimate claim to the royal house, as it is the Oyoko Clan that rightfully holds the throne.