The Oyoko Royal Family of Worawora in the Oti Region has called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to urgently intervene in the protracted chieftaincy disputes that have plagued the Worawora Traditional Area for over a decade.
At a press conference held in Accra, Nana Ama Anowaa Nyarko, a representative of the Oyoko family, expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis, which she attributed to the occupation of the paramount stool by individuals who do not trace their lineage through the royal matrilineal line, as required by Asante customs.
“The people of Worawora owe allegiance to the Asantehene, and our customs demand that the paramount stool is occupied only by legitimate royals from the matrilineal line,” Nana Nyarko stated.
She recounted that the chieftaincy disputes began after the late Nana Asare Baah II ascended the throne despite not being a matrilineal royal.
Furthermore, she alleged that Nana Asare Baah II had unlawfully installed a queen mother, Nana Awerewa I, from the patrilineal side, in direct violation of Asante tradition.
The dispute deepened following the passing of Nana Awerewa I, with the enstoolment of Nana Abena Sarfoah Awerewa II, whom the Oyoko family claims is also not of royal matrilineal descent.
According to the family, her continued occupation of the throne contravenes Asante customs and has fueled divisions within the Worawora community.
To challenge the legitimacy of the current occupants of the paramount stool, the Oyoko family has invoked the Great Oath of the Asantehene and submitted petitions to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, seeking his intervention.
“Despite the invocation of the Great Oath and repeated peaceful overtures, the self-styled queen and her supporters have ignored Asante traditions, further deepening the crisis,” Nana Nyarko said.
The family also raised concerns over the actions of other claimants to the throne, including Barima Owusu Afari and Mr. Yaw Kwapong, who they allege have styled themselves as paramount chiefs under questionable circumstances.
“We urge Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to step in and ensure that the rightful royals from the Oyoko matrilineal line are enstooled in accordance with our traditions. Only His Majesty, as the owner of Worawora, can restore order and legitimacy to the chieftaincy institution in our area,” Nana Nyarko emphasized.
The Oyoko family further appealed to the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs and the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, to support efforts to bring lasting peace to Worawora.
According to the family, the protracted chieftaincy disputes have hindered the development of the area. They called on all stakeholders to work together to resolve the matter and protect the integrity of Asanteman’s cultural heritage.
“We remain committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution and trust in the wisdom of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to mediate and restore harmony to Worawora,” Nana Nyarko concluded.
