The Paramount Chief of Lower Axim Traditional Area, Awulae Attibrukusu III, has strongly rejected what he describes as “misleading and baseless” claims made by the Nsein Paramount Chief, Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, as published in The Chronicle newspaper on Wednesday.
In a press statement issued in response, Awulae Attibrukusu III dismissed an alleged three-month ultimatum by his Nsein counterpart for him to vacate what was described as his ancestral land, insisting that such a directive “is not only baseless, but also unenforceable.”
The Lower Axim chief further challenged Awulae Agyevi Kwame II to act on his claims if he is convinced of their validity. “If you are confident in your claims, reduce the three months to two weeks, and I am ever ready to meet you boot for boot,” he stated.
Addressing issues of traditional hierarchy and land ownership, Awulae Attibrukusu III maintained that historical records clearly establish the status of the two stools, asserting that the Nsein Stool, though now independent, remains a junior stool to Lower Axim.
He described as “surprising and disrespectful” claims that he must seek permission from the Nsein chief to carry out traditional activities such as organising funerals, riding in a palanquin, or celebrating the Kundum Festival within Axim.
The Lower Axim paramount chief also took issue with what he termed as attempts to mislead the public regarding legal matters, stressing that no court has awarded any Lower Axim lands to the Nsein Stool. “It must be placed on record that you previously initiated legal action against me, which you lost, bringing finality to our land issues,” he said.
He further referenced historical boundary determinations by the Stool Lands Settlement Commission in November 1982, under the supervision of then Deputy Commissioner J.A. Essiem, as evidence of clearly defined territorial limits between the two traditional areas.
Awulae Attibrukusu III urged his counterpart to be guided by the rule of law and to uphold truth and integrity in public discourse, warning against the spread of misinformation that could inflame tensions.
“It is high time we think wisely as traditional leaders. Our foremost responsibility is the welfare and unity of our people,” he noted, calling for an end to what he described as unnecessary disputes and costly litigations.
The statement comes amid rising tensions between the Lower Axim and Nsein traditional authorities, with observers warning that the escalating war of words could heighten unrest if not carefully managed.
Awulae Attibrukusu III concluded by expressing gratitude to his chiefs, queen mothers, and subjects both at home and in the Diaspora for their support, while encouraging the public to seek historical clarity from documented sources, including the book “The Unknown Facts of Axim” by the late Francis Amelema Kaku Nokoe.
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