The Aowin Traditional Council has officially banished their Member of Parliament (MP), Oscar Ofori Larbi, barring him from stepping foot on any land within the Aowin Traditional Area.
The council performed traditional rituals, invoking the gods to enforce their decision.
According to the council, the MP has persistently disrespected traditional authority by fabricating false allegations against the paramount chief and some divisional chiefs.
Additionally, the council accused Oscar Ofori Larbi of being complicit in illegal mining operations, particularly in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve. Despite government measures banning such activities, they allege he continues to support illegal miners, causing massive environmental destruction.
In response, the MP denied the allegations, claiming that it is rather the traditional council that is involved in illegal mining in the area.
Following his alleged misconduct, the traditional council, led by the Chief of Omanpe, Nana Oppong Panyin III, performed a ritual by slaughtering a sheep and pouring libation.
This act was meant to invoke the gods of the Aowin Traditional Area to accept their sacrifice and ensure that their decision is upheld.
The chiefs have issued a stern warning to Oscar Ofori Larbi, restricting him from entering any community within their jurisdiction, stating that the gods will handle him accordingly.
While acknowledging that he was elected by the people to represent them in Parliament, the Nana Oppong Panyin III maintained that his repeated acts of disrespect have made it impossible for them to work with him. As a result, he is now forbidden from setting foot on Aowin land.
“We do not have any issues with his political party or the government. However, due to his continued disregard for the traditional authority, we can no longer tolerate his presence on our land.” the chief said.
The chiefs further declared that all government-led development projects meant for the Aowin area should now be channeled through the Western North Regional Minister or the soon-to-be-appointed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), rather than through the MP.
“Let it be known that we respect the government and the people who elected him, but we will not condone his misconduct. Any developmental projects must go through the appropriate regional authorities, and not through him.”
The decision by the traditional council marks a significant escalation in tensions between the MP and local traditional authorities.
The Aowin Traditional Council’s decision to banish Oscar Ofori Larbi signals a critical breakdown in relations between the MP and the traditional authorities. This unprecedented move paints the importance of mutual respect between political leaders and custodians of tradition. How the government, the MP, and the council mitigate this conflict will be key to maintaining peace and fostering development in the area.
