OTUMFUO DESTOOLS OWHINHENE

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled Nana Kusi Baaye II, the chief of Ohwim in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, following serious allegations of misconduct and breaches of traditional laws. The chief, who reigned for 16 years, was removed from his position after being found guilty of offenses including the desecration of the Great Oath, extortion, illegal sale of lands, and involvement in illegal mining.

The decision to destool Nana Kusi Baaye II was made during a Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025. The Ohwimhene faced multiple accusations, including falsely testifying in a chieftaincy dispute. Despite knowing the rightful owners of a disputed stool land, he allegedly demanded $6,000 to testify in their favor but later accepted money from the opposing party and testified against them. This act of dishonesty violated his oath of office and the sacred witness vow tied to the Great Oath.

Further damning evidence came from his sister, Akosua Nyame, who revealed that Nana Kusi Baaye II had dismissed the authority of the Great Oath after she invoked it three times to stop him from illegally selling cemetery lands reserved for royals and chiefs. In a shocking display of defiance, he reportedly mocked, “If the Great Oath has legs, let it come and arrest me.”

A former Biemso Dikro also testified against the chief, accusing him of unlawfully seizing land under the false pretense that it had been allocated by the Asantehene for a solar project. Investigations revealed that the chief was instead using the land for illegal mining, which has since been halted and the land destroyed.

Additionally, the Ohwimhene was accused of obstructing the burial of the late Asikasuhene, who passed away five years ago. It was alleged that he burned the belongings of the deceased, preventing the burial and leaving the body in the mortuary for an extended period. He was also implicated in the wrongful arrest of several community leaders, six of whom have since died.

Following these revelations, the Asantehene ordered the necessary traditional rites to formalize the chief’s removal. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II issued a stern warning to other chiefs, emphasizing that anyone who violates the Great Oath will face similar consequences.

“This is not only about him but to you all, anybody that takes the Great Oath and goes against it will equally face consequences… from today you are no longer chief for Owhin,” the Asantehene declared.

Source:NKONKONSA.com