Residents of Adumakase Kese in the Ashanti Region have appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene in a chieftaincy dispute, calling for the reinstatement of the area’s Adonten Hene, Nana Essuman, and Abusuapanin Osei Bonsu.
A group of residents stormed the Manhyia Palace to present their grievances against the current chief of Adumakase Kese, Nana Asenso Kofoh Ababio. They alleged that his conduct since his enstoolment has been inconsistent with Asante customary tradition and has caused tension within the community.
According to the petitioners, Nana Asenso Kofoh Ababio removed Nana Essuman from his position as Adonten Hene while the latter was out of the country for a scheduled medical check-up.
They further claimed that Abusuapanin Osei Bonsu was also destooled after he opposed the chief’s decision to install a person they described as not being the rightful occupant of the Adonten Baapanin stool.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one resident, Akua Agyeman, said the actions of the chief undermined established customary processes.
“He distooled the Adonten Hene at his back and later removed the Abusuapanin because he rejected the person the chief wanted to place on the Adonten Baapanin stool,” she stated.
“He is now trying to bring in a lady who is not the rightful person for that position.”
The residents said they had resorted to petitioning the Asantehene after exhausting local channels, expressing hope that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II would restore order and uphold customary procedures in the appointment and removal of sub-chiefs and office holders.
The Manhyia Palace, as the seat of the Asante Kingdom, serves as the final arbiter in chieftaincy matters within Asanteman. Traditional authorities in the region have long emphasized that destoolments and enstoolments must follow due process as outlined by Asante customary law.
The Asantehene has not yet publicly commented on the petition. The office of Nana Asenso Kofoh Ababio could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy disputes remain a recurring issue in parts of Ghana, often linked to disagreements over succession, land, and traditional authority. The Asante Kingdom maintains a structured system for resolving such matters through its traditional councils and the authority of the Golden Stool.
