Opemsuo Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene has emphasised that there is no feud between Ashantis and the people of Anlo State. “There is no war between us (Ashantis and Anlos). There shall never be any feud. We continue to enjoy unity and lasting peace”, Otumfuo stated when he received a huge delegation from Anlo State at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday.
His Royal Majesty emphasised that neither he (Otumfuo) nor Togbui Sri would allow any individual or group of persons or issue to separate or divide them as brothers, adding that Ashantis and Anlos are one and inseparable.
Otumfuo’s stated position regarding the healthy relationship between Ashanti and Anlos goes to buttress his goodwill message at the climax of the festival.
The Asantehene said the forefathers of Asantes and Anlos had a common and positive purpose for the building of a strong alliance, which enabled them to collaborate on issues affecting them.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu pledged that the strong bond of fidelity and cordiality between the Asantes and the Ewes would grow from strength to strength, to benefit generations yet unborn.
He made it clear that no parochial, ethnic or political consideration or deliberate distortion of history by evil-minded people could set Asantes and Anlos apart.
“Let us maintain a healthier climate for social discourse and political interaction, remain united and live in peace to the glory of Ghana,” the Asantehene said.
Led by H.E. Dan Abodakpi, the Traditional father of the Anlo State, the huge delegation, which comprised all 36 chiefs in the Anlo state had called on the Asantehene to express Togbui Sri’s deepest appreciation to Otumfuo for honouring an invitation to be part of the month-long Hogbetsotso Festival last Month.
The former Member of Parliament for Keta and Minister of Trade and Industry in the National Democratic Congress regime explained that the visit was in reciprocation of Otumfuo’s gesture to attend the grand durbar with large retinues of sub-chiefs and courtiers amidst display of arts and culture.
He said Otumfuo’s message of unity and peace for development, during the royal visit, had gone well with the Awoamefia Togbi Sri III and people of Anlo state hence the expression of appreciation and hoped the unity between the two peoples would be sustained.
The theme for this year’s Hogbetsotso Festival was: “60 years of Anlo Hogbetsotso Za – Sustaining our unique cultural commonwealth for future generations.”
