Ashyirem Royal Gate has voiced strong criticism against Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his rejection of the nomination of Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, the former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), as the paramount chief of Offinso.
In a press release published on GhanaWeb, the Royal Gate accused the Asantehene of employing various tactics to obstruct Dr. K. K. Sarpong’s nomination, despite his being the preferred choice of the Offinso community.
Furthermore, the group expressed their disappointment with Otumfuo’s remarks made during the rejection of Dr. Sarpong’s nomination at a gathering held at the Manhyia Palace
“It is important to note that Otumfuo’s pronouncements at some of the Asanteman Council sittings on the Offinso Stool Affairs are regrettable. There have been unsubstantiated allegations, among others, all in a bid to justify a course of action he wants to take. Recounting these here can be very embarrassing, to say the least.
“…One can justifiably conclude that Otumfuo is trying at ALL COST, to find a reason to block Dr. K. K. Sarpong’s nomination. But we think the Overlord of Asanteman should eschew bias and exhibit fairness towards the Ashyirem Royal family and Offinsoman. Truth is that since we revere Otumfuo, it would have been disrespectful to have challenged his pronouncements while he was sitting in State.
However, it is only fair that very obvious errors that undermine the rights of the Ashyirem royals, including Dr. K. K. Sarpong, ought to be corrected,” parts of the statement read.
Additionally, the group alleged that the Asantehene resorted to intimidation tactics in an attempt to compel the Offinsohemaa, who are the kingmakers of Offinso, and K.K. Sarpong to yield to his wishes.
“Is this not contrary to the very principles on which Asanteman was founded and built? Wherein lies the “ ka bi na menka bi” mantra? Asanteman should be fair to all of its citizens at all times. We humbly appeal to Otumfuo not to wage a personal vendetta on anyone so as to get his will to prevail. Rather, justice should be done to all manner of persons to honour the Golden Stool and in line with his own oath,” it said.
The group also said that the Asantehene had no power to enstool a paramount chief (Omanhene).
“In line with Asante customs and traditions, which are often hammered by Otumfuo himself, he (Otumfuo) does not select and enstool any Omanhene. This is also the spirit of the Asante Confederacy, which protects the identity of each paramountcy. Otumfuo and Asanteman Council are invited to resolve misunderstandings in the process of enstoolment but not to undermine a process which has gone the full length without any blemish,” it added.
On April 28, 2022, just before his departure for the United States, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II declined a request from Offinsohene Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko to endorse Dr. Sarpong as her nominee for the Offinso stool. Instead, he advised her to adhere to the traditions and customary protocols.
The kingmakers of the Offinso Traditional Area had selected the former GNPC executive to assume the role left vacant by the passing of the late paramount chief of Offinso, Nana Wiafe Akenten II, who had joined his ancestors.