The Chief of Adoagyiri in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region, Okoanadwo Afutu Dompreh II, has launched a passionate appeal to residents, both home and abroad, of the area to bury the hatchet and focus on peaceful co-existence.
This comes from the background of a judgement passed in favor of Okoanadwo Afutu Dompreh II as the right person to occupy the Adoagyiri Stool by the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs on February 2, this year.
The Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs dismissed an appeal brought before it by the opposing party in the Adoagyiri chieftaincy matter, and upheld the judgment of the Judicial Committee of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council, Akyem Oda, regarding the rightful person to be enstooled to occupy the then vacant Adoagyiri Stool.
Per the ruling, the protracted Adoagyiri chieftaincy dispute, which had stalled the development and progress of the town since 2007, had come to an end, with Okoanadwo Afutu Dompreh II still occupying the Stool, which he ascended 15 years ago.
He indicated that about 15 years ago, the Adoagyiri Stool became vacant, as a result of the demise of Nana Adu Korkor II of blessed memory, who passed on to glory on Monday, January 29, 2007, after 54 years of reign.
Okoanadwo Afutu Dompreh II declared that he ascended the Stool on Thursday November 8, 2007, to succeed the late Chief in compliance with all customary rites.
But after his installation, which did not go well with a section of the people, who in protested sought arbitration at the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council, where his installation was confirmed, but the parties in the dispute were not satisfied.
For several years, this case had hampered peace and development in the town, creating a situation where it was impossible for residents to see eye to eye, as well as bringing developmental activities to a halt.
According to Okoanadwo Afutu Dompreh II, any town or community with such challenges sees no progress, with bitterness and poverty becoming their lot, as there was always suspicion against anyone perceived to belong to the other side.
“With this judgement from the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, I hope everybody will understand that there is the need now to bury the hatchet and focus on peaceful co-existence. The victorious party must be magnanimous in victory, whilst the losing party must accept defeat, however painful, in good faith.” he added.
He said Adoagyiri must rise up and occupy its rightful place in the nation, and his conviction was that could be achieved only through unity and understanding, as his doors were always open for peace and consultation. “I will encourage all to feel free to come in anytime for discussions or consultation.”
