The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled the Ejisu-Kyerekrom Dikro, Opanin Kwaku Kyere after he was found guilty of violating the Great Oath, a sacred tenet within the Ashanti Kingdom.
Ejisu-Kyerekrom Dikro was officially destooled on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
The Great Oath holds immense cultural and spiritual importance and symbolizes trust, integrity, and loyalty to the Ashanti Kingdom.
Desecrating this oath is regarded as a serious breach of the values and principles that bind the community.
The decision followed careful examination and consideration of the evidence against Opanin Kwaku Kyere, with the Asantehene making it clear that such breaches would not be tolerated under his reign.
This latest destoolment reaffirms the Asantehene’s commitment to upholding the traditions and values that have long defined the Ashanti Kingdom.
This comes after the destoolment of Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II by Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for the same offence.
The 90-year-old chief, who had reigned for 54 years, was found guilty of distorting historical truths for personal gain and disregarding statutory and traditional laws.
During a meeting with the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, September 2, 2024, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reprimanded Nana Opia Mensah II for his actions.
“You have knowingly and deceitfully invoked the Great Oath, despite being fully aware that the stool did not rightfully belong to you. Your attempts to exploit your long reign to conceal your illegitimacy have failed,” the Asantehene declared.
In a symbolic gesture, Nana Opia Mensah II’s traditional slippers were removed, marking his destoolment by custom.
The decision follows a comprehensive report presented to the Council on August 15, 2024, which revealed that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia Mensah II belongs, is not the legitimate royal house, but rather the Oyoko Clan holds the rightful claim to the throne.
Story By Grace Tsotsoo Quaye
