His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Okuapemhene, has finally been gazetted almost seven (7) years after the demise of the former Okuapemhene, Oseadeeyo Nana Addo Dankwa III.
A certified true copy of the gazette, which was signed by the Registrar of the National House of Chiefs (NHC), Mr.BaafiNsiah and dated Friday October 7, 2022 has been sighted by The Chronicle.
There was spontaneous jubilation at Akropong, the traditional capital, when they received news that His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Okuapemhene, has finally been gazetted.
Speaking to the media at a press conference organised by a group calling itself Akuapem Youth for Development (AYD), at Akropong on Sunday, Mr. A.S Nana Addo-Aikins Jr., leader of the group, called on both factions to let peace reign after the gazette.
He further appealed to the factions to immediately cease the insults and insinuations and rather join in the development of the area.
The spokesperson for AYD indicated that it is time to reflect on the loss Akuapeman has suffered and come together as one people to move forward peacefully and work hard to reinstate the peace and unity they stand for.
“A call for peace is paramount since it is clear beyond any doubt, considering the evidence and ruling by the RHC and NHC that there is a legitimate King sitting on his throne – His Royal
Majesty Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, OKUAPEMHENE”, he stressed.
On the other hand, Odehye Kwasi Akuffo (Joe Farrell) who was the main candidate of Okuapehemaa, Nana Afua Nketia Obuo II, confirmed the gazette of his main contender when contacted.
He explained that he has sighted a certified true copy of the gazette which was signed by the Registrar of the National House of Chiefs (NHC).
Notwithstanding that, he directed this reporter to his lawyer, AnsahAsare, for further interpretation of the issue and next action they intend taking after the gazette.
All efforts, however, to reach the lawyer proved unsuccessful because his cell phone was off.
Background
It would be recalled that His Royal Majesty Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III passed on to glory on August 3, 2015 and just like every great kingdom, when a king dies, there are customary laws, which are followed in selecting the right royal for the throne.
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Okuapemhene, known in private life as Odehye Kwadwo Kesse Antwi arrived in Ghana in January 2016 and was nominated to go through the process of selection and installation to be King.However, due to internal family disputes and other contentions, this process took another two years.
Odehye Kwadwo Kesse Antwi was contested by Odehye Kwasi Akuffo, popularly known as Joe Farrell, who is the nephew of Odehye Kwadwo Kesse Antwi.
