The Nketiaah Royal Family of Akropong has hit back at a petition filed by some Mpakanfo (Divisional Chiefs) of the Akuapem Traditional Area against Okuapehemea Nana Afua Obuo Nketiaah II.
The family described it as a “self-serving attempt” to force the Queenmother to accept a particular candidate for the Ofori Kuma Stool.
In a letter addressed to the Registrar of the Akuapem Traditional Council, the lawyer for the Nketiaah Royal Family, Raymond Bagnabu Esq., stated that the petitioners have no locus to bring the petition as they are not members of the Nketiaah Royal Family or any of the three ruling houses.
The petition alleges misconduct on the part of the Okuapehemea, but the lawyer argues that the Queenmother has not acted contrary to any known custom of the Akuapem Traditional Area.
He cited judgements from the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs, which directed the Okuapehemea to conduct the process of nominating a new Okuapehene afresh.
The lawyer also accused the petitioners of attempting to plan and perform customary rituals regarding the celebration of the Odwira festival without the authorization of the Queenmother, which is contrary to the customs and traditions of the royals and people of Akropong.
The Nketiaah Royal Family has demanded a retraction of the petition within seven days, failing which they will seek legal redress in the courts.
The petitioners include Nana Gyan Kwasi II, Adontehene of Akuapem; Nana Osim Kwatia, Gyasehene of Akuapem; Osa Barima Asiedu Okoor, Benkumhene of Akuapem; Nana Otutu Ababio, Ohene of Adukrom; and Kwaku Aboagye, styling himself as Krontihene of Akuapem.
