On Monday, September 2, 2024, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II destooled Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II for desecrating the hallowed Asante Sacred Oath (Ntamkəseɛ).
This choice was taken at the Kumasi Traditional Council meeting, which took place at the Manhyia Palace. Nana Opia Mensah II received criticism for his flagrant disdain for the revered tradition.
The 90-year-old former member of parliament, who had held the position for 54 years, lost it because of his attempts to break both customary and statutory laws by manipulating historical facts to suit his own interests.
“Nana Opia, you knowingly and deceitfully invoked the Great Oath, despite being fully aware that the stool did not rightfully belong to you. You deliberately challenged its ownership, attempting to exploit your long reign to conceal your illegitimacy.
“However, by misusing the Great Oath for personal gain, you have forfeited your claim to the stool. Your actions have left you no choice but to relinquish the throne,” Otumfuo declared.
The chief’s customary slippers were swiftly taken off as a symbolic act of his dismissal from office and destoolment.
This is in response to an extensive report that was given to the Council on August 15, 2024, and which stated that the Oyoko Clan is the real heir to the throne, not the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia Mensah II belongs.
