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Otumfour Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and overlord of the Asante Kingdom, has ordered Nana Kontomere Kwame Frimpong Ababio, Yabehene, to immediately annul all Dikro appointments he has made in areas currently under dispute.
This decision, made during a session at the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) on March 13, 2025, follows complaints from ten traditional leaders, who accused Yabehene of wrongfully seizing lands and installing Dikro (caretaker chiefs) in places that do not fall under his jurisdiction.
Otumfuo’s directive means that all individuals appointed by Yabehene as traditional caretakers in the disputed areas must step down until the Committee resolves the matter.
The Disputed Areas and Complaints from Chiefs
The allegations against Yabehene were brought before Otumfuo by the following traditional rulers:
1. Asafohene
2. Twediehene
3. Didahene
4. Otumfuo Buabasa
5. Mpataasiehene
6. Atwima Foasehene
7. Apemanimhene
8. Toasehene
9. Atwima Kwanwomahene
10. Trabuomhene and Adomanyahene
The chiefs accused Yabehene of illegally taking over their lands and appointing caretaker chiefs (Dikro) in those areas without the approval of the Kumasi Traditional Council or the affected stools.
Yabehene’s Defense
In response to the allegations, Yabehene vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the lands in question belong to him as part of Yaw Nkrumah lands. He maintained that his appointments of Dikro were lawful and within his rights.
However, after hearing both sides, Otumfuo ruled that Yabehene must revoke all such appointments immediately.
Otumfuo’s Final Ruling
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in his ruling, declared:
> “He cannot enstool any Dikro while the case is pending. All those positions must be annulled immediately.”
The Asantehene also stressed that until the dispute is fully settled, no chief should assume control over lands that are under contention.
Formation of Committees to Resolve the Dispute
To ensure a fair and transparent resolution, Otumfuo established three committees, grouping the plaintiffs into sets of four, with Yabehene included in each group. These committees will thoroughly investigate the claims and determine the rightful ownership of the lands in question.
What’s Next?
The Kumasi Traditional Council will now oversee the settlement of these disputes, with the appointed committees conducting investigations to establish the legitimacy of the competing claims.
In the meantime, Yabehene is expected to fully comply with Otumfuo’s ruling and withdraw all appointed Dikro in the disputed territories.
This ruling by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II once again reinforces his commitment to preserving order, ensuring fairness, and upholding traditional laws within the Asante Kingdom.
The affected parties and all stakeholders now await the outcomes of the committee’s deliberations, which will be crucial in determining the final resolution of this long-standing land and chieftaincy dispute.
