The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II for desecrating and abusing the Asante Sacred Oath (Ntamkɛseɛ), a violation of both statute and tradition. The destoolment occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, during a meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace.
Nana Opia Mensah II, a 90-year-old former Member of Parliament who had reigned for 54 years, was stripped of his title following Otumfuo’s reprimand for his blatant disregard and disrespect toward the solemnity of the Great Oath. Otumfuo chastised the former chief for attempting to distort historical truths for personal gain.
“Nana Opia, despite knowing the stool wasn’t rightfully yours, you deceitfully invoked the Great Oath. You were fully aware that the stool didn’t belong to you, yet you chose to challenge its ownership,” the Asantehene stated.
“You thought your long reign would give you an advantage, allowing you to hide behind the Great Oath. However, since you exploited and misused the Great Oath, you must relinquish the stool.”
In accordance with tradition, the chief’s traditional slippers were immediately removed, signifying his destoolment.
This decision follows a report presented to the Council on August 15, 2024, which determined that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia belongs, is not the rightful royal house but rather the Oyoko Clan.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, visibly provoked by the frequent abuse of the Great Oath by certain chiefs, took the opportunity to educate those present on its profound significance. He explained that the oath reflects a period of great sorrow in Asante history, when the then-Asantehene lost several nephews, leaving him in despair over the future of the royal lineage. The survival of the fourth child, following the intervention of the kingdom’s priest, led to the establishment of the Great Oath.
“This is my deepest sorrow, and yet it is now being abused,” Otumfuo lamented. “I share this history today so that you may appreciate and honor it. When individuals invoke it and come before me, I caution them about the consequences. Let it be known that no one, regardless of their position, can invoke it and escape punishment if found guilty.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
