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On Monday, September 2, 2024, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II officially destooled Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II for violating the revered Asante Sacred Oath, known as Ntamkɛseɛ. The decision was made during a meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace, where the former chief was held accountable for his serious breach of tradition.
Nana Opia Mensah II, a former Member of Parliament who had ruled for 54 years, was removed from his position due to his attempts to manipulate historical records for personal benefit. This act was seen as a violation of both statutory and traditional laws.
“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,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated. He further added, “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.”
As a customary act of destoolment, Nana Opia Mensah II’s traditional slippers were removed, symbolizing his official removal from office.
This destoolment followed an in-depth report presented to the Council on August 15, 2024. The report confirmed that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia Mensah II belongs, is not the legitimate royal house. Instead, it was revealed that the Oyoko Clan is the rightful heir to the throne.