On Monday 4th September 2023, His Royal Majesty Okumahene Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso King of Kotoku Kingdom appealed for peace in his palace in the Kotoku capital of Oda.
His statement comes following the horrific incidences which took place recently at Adoagyiri over chieftaincy crisis.
Narrating the incident, Nana Odiatuo Okatakyie Afrifa, Abakomahene of Adoagyiri recalled that: “On 19th August 2023, Akyem Abuakwah overlord Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin sent thugs of his Okyeman Taskforce to install a rival chief Nana Adu Korkor III at Adoagyiri contrary to traditions and customs of Adoagyiri and Kotoku”.
“This dark move had been preceded by a prolonged and forceful land grabbing exercise by Okyehene that has spanned over six years,” the outspoken spokesman of the Adoagyiri stool revealed. And on August 29th, 2023, Okyeman taskforces attacked Adoagyiri to parade the rival chief through the main streets of Adoagyiri amidst gunshots, killing two Adoagyiri men in the process and injuring numerous more who were seeking medical care in various hospitals.”
“The days of tribal wars are over,” His Royal Majesty Okumahene Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV said. The rule of law is essential in Ghana. The situation in Adoagyiri has undoubtedly caused Akyem Kotoku immeasurable agony and pain. But, knowing that President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo believes in the rule of law and is a lawyer, I am certain that the rules of Ghana would be implemented in this case to deescalate tensions in the Abuakwa-Kotoku chieftaincy conflict.”
The King recalled the history of Kotoku and Abuakwa’s friendship, saying, “Kotoku and Abuakwa have always been allies; giving support to one another since time immemorial.” King Ofosuhene Appenteng of Kotoku and King Kuntunkununku were childhood buddies who chose to travel from the Adansi region. Also, Afrifa Akwadaa, King of Kotoku, and Nana Dokua, Abuakwa’s overload, were siblings, making every Okyehene a nephew of Kotokuhene. I shall not let the current happenings in Adoagyiri country rip the fabric of the bond our forefathers sewed.”
Kotokuhene called for calm in all his jurisdiction and prayed for peace to prevail and for God to relieve the families who have lost lives in the chieftaincy crisis of their sorrows and pains.
Manwerehene of Adoagyiri, Nana Etuoserebuor Safo Kankam hinted: “As I speak, Police are everywhere; roaming the streets of Adoagyiri, so there’s calm. However, the tension brought on Adoagyiri land has brought a cloud of uneasiness and stress on the people, and we hope calm and peace would be restored within the shortest possible time, so people could go about their businesses without fear”.
As at the time of filing this story, the Manwerehene stressed that the death toll had increased to three (3).
Meanwhile, the Police has not arrested any suspects nor has it questioned the thugs of Okyeman Task force whose actions caused the deaths of the Adoagyiri natives.
Source Barima Arkoh- Frempong Oware