The Oyoko Royal Family of Worawora in the Oti Region has called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to urgently intervene in the protracted chieftaincy disputes that have plagued the Worawora Traditional Area for over a decade.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on January 26, 2025 Nana Ama Anowaa Nyarko, a representative of the Oyoko family, expressed concern over the ongoing crisis, which she attributed to the illegitimate occupation of the paramount stool by individuals who do not trace their lineage through the royal matrilineal line, as required by Asante customs.
“The people of Worawora owe allegiance to the Asantehene and our customs demand that the paramount stool is occupied only by legitimate royals from the matrilineal line,” she stated.
According to Nana Nyarko, the chieftaincy disputes began after the death of Nana Asare Baah II, who had ascended the throne despite not being a matrilineal royal.
She further alleged that Nana Asare Baah II had unlawfully installed a queen mother, Nana Awerewa I, from the patrilineal side, contrary to Asante tradition.
After the passing of Nana Awerewa I, the disputes escalated with the enstoolment of Nana Abena Sarfoah Awerewa II, who the Oyoko family claim is also not of royal matrilineal descent. The family insists that her continued occupation of the throne violates Asante customs and has fueled divisions within the community.
The Oyoko family has invoked the Great Oath of the Asantehene to challenge the legitimacy of the current occupants of the paramount stool and has submitted petitions to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, seeking his intervention to resolve the matter.
“Despite the invocation of the Great Oath and repeated peaceful overtures, the self-styled queen and her supporters have ignored Asante traditions, further deepening the crisis,” Nana Nyarko said.
The family also raised concerns over the actions of other claimants to the throne, including Barima Owusu Afari and Mr. Yaw Kwapong, who have styled themselves as paramount chiefs under questionable circumstances.
“We urge Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to step in and ensure that the rightful royals from the Oyoko matrilineal line are enstooled, in accordance with our traditions.
“Only His Majesty, as the owner of Worawora, can restore order and legitimacy to the chieftaincy institution in our area,” Nana Nyarko emphasised.
The Oyoko family further appealed to the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs and the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, to support efforts to bring lasting peace to Worawora.
The protracted chieftaincy disputes have hindered the development of the area, with the Oyoko family urging all stakeholders to work together to resolve the matter and protect the integrity of Asanteman’s cultural heritage.
“We remain committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution and trust in the wisdom of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to mediate and restore harmony to Worawora,” Nana Nyarko concluded.
