The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has ordered the Asante Mamponghemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, and the kingmakers not to enstool anyone to the throne of Asante Mamponghene, the second-highest position in the Asante Kingdom.
This decision follows the submission of two separate petitions challenging the legitimacy of the reigning Kontihene and Gyaasehene, who are among the principal kingmakers responsible for enstoolment processes in Asante Mampong.
The first petition, filed by one Kofi Appiah prior to the passing of the late Daasebre, contests the legitimacy of the current Kontihene. Appiah claims that the Kontihene stool rightfully belongs to his family lineage, asserting that his ancestors occupied the position in the 1950s. He alleges that Nana Mamponghene unlawfully appropriated the chieftaincy seat from his family.
This petition was resubmitted for the attention of the Asantehene following Daasebre’s demise.
The second petition, submitted by Akwasi Addai, challenges the authority of the reigning Gyaasehene.
Addai contends that the current Gyaasehene was appointed by the Nana Mamponghene and not through the traditional and rightful process, thereby questioning the legitimacy of his position.
Responding to the petitions, Otumfuo Osei Tutu Ababio II emphasized the need for careful deliberation before proceeding with any enstoolment.
He acknowledged the long service of the Gyaasehene alongside the late Mamponghene but expressed unfamiliarity with the specifics of the complaints.
“Gyaasehene, you have served for a long time, but this matter has come up, and I don’t know anything about it. So, in due course, we need to look into it,” the Asantehene stated.
Regarding the Kontihene, the Asantehene recalled his initial introduction of the chief as a medical doctor from America, but stressed that the concerns raised must be examined thoroughly.
Otumfuo recounted, “Kontihene, I remember he introduced you to me as a doctor from America. This is also something we need to examine. Now that the matter has come up, we need to proceed carefully.
“Honestly, this is a Mamponghene issue to deal with. What I would have say is, you are not part of it; wait until a new king is enstooled so he can address this issue,” he added.
Asantehene further stated, “But I want to understand what it entails before I say anything. I haven’t seen the petition, unless the other party comes and explains so we can understand the issue. Mampong Gyaasehene and Kontihene are Mamponghene matters. Now that disputes have been raised, if I say I’ve canceled it, they might go and enstool someone, and then others may claim they don’t have the authority to do so.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu Ababio II instructed the Mamponghemaa to refrain from nominating any candidates for the Mamponghene stool until the disputes are resolved.
“Obaahemaa, for now, you will wait. Don’t rush to nominate any name; wait until this house matter is resolved first.
He underscored the importance of identifying the rightful kingmakers authorized to enstool and destool chiefs to prevent future conflicts.
“Those who enstool and destool kings should be identified before you nominate anyone, so there will be no argument,” Otumfuo emphasized.
The Asantehene recalled a past incident when, after the death of Atakorah Amaniampong, the enstoolment process was rejected because one of the kingmakers involved was not of royal lineage.
He warned that if proper care is not taken, the same problem could arise again.
“It was I who wanted it to be done quickly but now, the outstanding issue must first be resolved. I want peace to prevail so that after the enstoolment of the Mamponghene, there will be peace,” he concluded.
