The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned government appointees against the use of state authority to meddle in chieftaincy matters. He reminded government officials that political power is temporary and should avoid interfering in such matters.
The Asante King speaking at the first Asanteman Council meeting on Monday, last week, specifically referenced the Sampa crisis, and accused some government officials in the current administration of meddling in the dispute despite well-defined court rulings in the matter.
Otumfuo mentioned the Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa among other local government officials.
He reminded such appointees that power was transient and cautioned not to do what would please them because their government was in power.
The Asantehene bemoaned the “gross misbehaviour” simmering at Sampa, Nkyeraa, Amantim, and parts of Asante Akyem, where court rulings affirming legitimate chiefs are being disregarded.
“There is a court ruling in favour of Amantimhene, yet there is someone exerting his authority as chief, resisting the legitimate chief. The same is taking place in Nkyeraa, which has been adopted as a Divisional Council in the House of Chiefs,” he said.
He also cited the situation in Sampa, saying, “Despite court rulings, an Ivorian is in Sampa carrying himself out as a royal and chief. SampaheneGyafla will not die. The town belongs to him, and he will assume his rightful authority.”
Otumfuo also faulted Paramount Chiefs within Asante for their seemingly nonchalant attitude towards the developments.
He queried why “our men (paramount chiefs) are sitting aloof for two persons in Bono to misbehave and waiting for Otumfuo to act and protect their names and images.
The Asante Overlord referred to instances where Asanteparamountcies in the past sacrificed their all to defend the image and heritage of the Kingdom citing the legendary Tweneboa Kodua (Kumawu) and Yaa Asantewaa of Ejisu.
Inspite of the fact that all paramountcies are now “women” and docile, Otumfuo has vowed to resist anyone who tries to block traditional authorities in Bono and Bono East from coming to pay homage to him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the traditional seat of Asanteman.
