In a significant ruling, the Asanteman Council, under the leadership of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the reigning King of the Asante Kingdom has determined that the Paramount Queen mother of the Denyase Traditional Area, Nana Adutwumwaa Bonin III, is not a member of the royal family.
This decision follows a thorough investigation by a special committee into her lineage of the traditional royal family.
The inquiry was initiated after Achiase-baapanin Nana Akua Afriyie, challenging the Queen mothers royalty status, invoked the Great Asante traditional Oath, a solemn and binding traditional appeal.
In response, Denyasehemaa also invoked the Great Asante traditional Oath, vehemently asserting her royal heritage.
The conflicting claims prompted the Asanteman Council to establish a committee to examine the family trees of both parties under the instructional authority of the overload of the Asante Kingdom Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
On August 19, 2024, the committee presented its findings to the Council, revealing discrepancies between the two family trees submitted.
While a few names appeared on both trees, their positions and relations differed significantly.
For instance, the name “Nana Effah” was placed in different generations on the respective family trees, and the descendants listed under him varied.
Moreover, Denyasehemaa’s family tree conspicuously omitted key figures from the Achiase royal lineage, further casting doubt on her claims.
The committee ultimately concluded that Denyasehemaa’s lineage does not connect to the Achiase royal family, contrary to her assertions. This finding was unanimously supported by the Divisional and Paramount Chiefs present at the Council meeting and was formally affirmed by the Asantehene.
Historical Context and Ruling
In delivering his ruling, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II provided a historical overview of the events that led to the current Denyasehemaa’s predecessors occupying the stool.
He explained that Achiasebaapanin, a direct descendant of Dwaben Serwaa, had a brother named Kwame Domase, who had taken in Aho, an ancestor of the current Denyasehemaa, during a period of personal hardship.
Aho, who had suffered repeated child losses, was adopted into the Achiase royal household, although she was not of royal blood.
Over time, Aho’s descendants assumed the stool, even though they lacked a direct royal lineage.
The Asantehene noted that a previous opportunity to correct this situation had arisen when a true royal, Opanin Kyei, was initially elected to take up the stool.
However, a plea to the Asantehene’s brother, Opoku Ware, led to a change in the decision, allowing Aho’s lineage to continue occupying the stool.
Reflecting on the current situation, the Asantehene remarked that Denyasehemaa could have avoided this outcome by choosing a more conciliatory approach rather than invoking the Great Oath in opposition.
“Denyasehemaa could have used peace to her advantage, but she chose otherwise,” he said. “Now that the investigation has revealed the truth, I have no choice but to return the stool to its rightful lineage.”
Consequences and Penalty
As a result of her counter-invocation of the Great Oath, which was deemed to be in vain, Denyasehemaa was fined four rams. These are to be presented at the next sitting of the Council, scheduled for Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Manhyia Palace.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
