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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has issued a strict order for the immediate annulment of all Dikro appointments made by Nana Kontomere Kwame Frimpong Ababio, Yabehene, in areas currently under dispute.
This ruling, delivered during a Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) session on March 13, 2025, follows accusations from ten traditional rulers who claim Yabehene has wrongfully seized lands and appointed caretakers in areas outside his jurisdiction.
Otumfuo’s directive means that all individuals appointed as Dikro by Yabehene must vacate their positions until a final determination is made by the Traditional Council.
Disputed Lands and Complaints from Affected Chiefs
The complaint against Yabehene was formally presented by the following chiefs:
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
These chiefs accused Yabehene of forcefully taking over their lands and appointing caretaker chiefs (Dikro) without traditional approval.
Yabehene’s Defense and Otumfuo’s Final Ruling
Yabehene denied all allegations, claiming that the contested lands belong to him as part of Yaw Nkrumah lands, and that he had the right to install caretakers.
However, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, after hearing both sides, ruled against Yabehene, stating:
“He cannot enstool any Dikro while the case is pending. All those positions must be annulled immediately.”
Otumfuo emphasized that no new enstoolments can take place in these areas until the dispute is resolved.
Formation of Committees to Resolve the Conflict
To ensure a thorough investigation, Otumfuo has set up three separate committees and grouped the complainants into sets of four, with Yabehene included in each group. These committees will investigate the legitimacy of the land claims and submit their findings to the Kumasi Traditional Council.
Next Steps and Traditional Council Oversight
The Kumasi Traditional Council will now supervise the settlement of these disputes, ensuring that all decisions align with Asante customary laws and traditions.
In the meantime, Yabehene is expected to fully comply with Otumfuo’s directive and withdraw all Dikro appointments made in the disputed territories.
This landmark ruling by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reinforces his commitment to justice, order, and the protection of traditional authority within the Asante Kingdom.
The final decision of the committee investigations will be highly anticipated, as it will determine the rightful ownership of the contested lands and settle the chieftaincy dispute once and for all.
