There’s a serious escalating chieftaincy crisis brewing in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.
The Ofosu-Pema Royal Family, the Traditional authority in-charge of Odau stool, has announced its withdrawal from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, escalating a chieftaincy dispute with the Okyenhene over authority, land ownership, and succession issues.
In a statement issued on April 12, 2026, at Odau Fie in Akyem Etwereso, the family accused the Okyenhene of breaching tradition and overstepping his authority in matters relating to the Odauhene and the Osenase stool.
The dispute follows a series of pronouncements reportedly made at the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi, including a ban on the Odauhene, Odeneho Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, from entering the Okyenhene’s palace, the withdrawal of the title “Daasebre,” and attempts to reassign towns under the Odauhene’s jurisdiction.
The family described the actions as unprecedented and contrary to over 300 years of customary practice, arguing that historical relations between the Okyenhene and the Odauhene had been based on mutual respect and cooperation rather than subordination.
Central to the dispute is the contested enstoolment of a regent for the Osenase stool. The Ofosu-Pema family maintains that the individual backed by the Okyenhene is not of royal lineage and therefore ineligible. They further alleged that due process was disregarded after arbitration proceedings were adjourned but later ruled upon.
Tensions escalated after an alleged attack on the Odauhene during a visit to Osenase, which the family claims has not been adequately addressed.
The statement also rejected claims that the Okyenhene has authority over lands and towns under the Odau stool, insisting that the Odauhene’s jurisdiction predates its alliance with Akyem Abuakwa and was not acquired through conquest.
As part of its resolutions, the Ofosu-Pema Royal Family declared that Odauman has withdrawn from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and will no longer be bound by its authority. It also announced that the Odauhene will henceforth bear the title “Odeneho” and operate independently in all traditional matters.
The family further indicated plans to seek formal recognition for a separate traditional council, asserting control over its towns, lands, and customary governance.
The development signals a deepening rift within the Akyem traditional area, with potential implications for chieftaincy administration and local governance.
Efforts to reach the Okyenhene’s office for comment were not immediately successful.
Below is a full statement released by the Ofosu-Pema Royal Family
