By: Ama Gyamfuah
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled 90-year-old Wirempehene, Nana Opia Mensah II, who had served as chief for 54 years.
The destoolment occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, during a Kumasi Traditional Council meeting at the Manhyia Palace.
The decision was made after Nana Opia Mensah II was found guilty of desecrating and abusing the Great Oath of the Asante Kingdom (Ntamkɛseɛ), a serious violation in Asante tradition.
Otumfuo rebuked him for his disregard for the sanctity of the Great Oath and accused him of attempting to manipulate history for his own benefit.
He pointed out that Nana Opia’s educational background and contributions during the Busia era were the reasons he was entrusted with the stool, despite not being of royal lineage.
“Nana Opia, despite knowing the stool wasn’t rightfully yours, you deceitfully invoked the Great Oath,” the Asantehene stated.
“You were fully aware that the stool didn’t belong to you, yet you chose to challenge its ownership. 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 line with tradition, the chief’s traditional slippers were immediately removed, marking his destoolment.
The action followed a report presented to the Council on August 15, 2024, which revealed that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia belongs, is not the rightful royal house; that distinction belongs to the Oyoko Clan.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, visibly troubled by the frequent misuse of the Great Oath by chiefs, took the opportunity to emphasize its significance.
He explained that the Great Oath symbolizes a period of profound sorrow for the Asantehene, when the loss of several nephews left him in fear of having no heir to succeed him.
The survival of his sister’s 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”.