Otumfuo destools Wirempehene for abusing sacred oath

On Monday, September 2, 2024, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, destooled Nana Opia Mensah II, the Wirempehene.

He was destooled because Nana Opia Mensah II has been accused of disobeying the sacred oath of the Asante people by the name of the Ntamkɛseɛ. It was a unanimous decision during the Kumasi Traditional Council, which complex is located in Manhyia Palace.

Nana Opia Mensah II formerly a Member of Parliament who is now aged 90 years ruled as Wirempehene for 54 years. He was ousted from his position despite the long duration of his reign, because he tried to rewrite history to benefit himself. This offense was regarded as a violation of both statutory and customary practices on the Asante Kingdom.

During the meeting, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said that he was displeased with Nana Opia Mensah II’s actions as the chief. He claimed that the chief had done so purposely knowing that the stool he was sitting upon was not legitimately his, but chose to recite the Great Oath nonetheless.

“Nana Opia, you knowingly and deceitfully invoked the Great Oath, despite being fully aware that the stool did not rightfully belong to you. You deliberately challenged its ownership, attempting to exploit your long reign to conceal your illegitimacy

“However, by misusing the Great Oath for personal gain, you have forfeited your claim to the stool. Your actions have left you no choice but to relinquish the throne,” Otumfuo declared.

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Wirempehene was destooled after a comprehensive report presented to the Council on August 15, 2024, which showed that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia Mensah II belongs, is not the legitimate royal house, but rather the Oyoko Clan holds the rightful claim to the throne.

To symbolise his removal from office in a more customary way, the chief was also seen wearing traditional slippers