Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II officially destooled the Ejisu-Kyerekrom chief, Opanin Kwaku Kyere, on Tuesday after he was found guilty of violating the Great Oath, a sacred tenet within the Ashanti Kingdom.
The order for Nana Opia Mensah’s removal was issued at Manhyia Palace on Monday, September 2, 2024, during a sitting of the Asanteman Council.
The chief was then summoned before the Otumfuo during a sitting of the Asanteman Council on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The destoolment, a significant and rare act in Ashanti tradition, underscores the severity of the offense.
The elderly chief was summoned before the Council and rebuked by the Asantehene for swearing the Great Oath to support his false claims. After the charge was read to him, Opanin Kwaku Kyerehe’s sandals were removed, signifying that his powers had been stripped, and he ceased to be the chief of Ejisu-Kyrekrom.
Opanin Kwaku Kyre’s destoolment comes two weeks after the Overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, also destooled Wirempehene, Nana Opia Mensah.
The Great Oath, which holds immense cultural and spiritual importance, symbolizes trust, integrity, and loyalty to the Ashanti Kingdom. Violating this oath is regarded as a serious breach of the values and principles that bind the community.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, known for his dedication to preserving Ashanti customs and enforcing justice, presided over the destoolment process. It also reaffirms the Asantehene’s commitment to upholding the traditions and values of the Ashanti Kingdom.
The decision followed careful examination and consideration of the evidence against Opanin Kwaku Kyere, with the Asantehene making it clear that such breaches would not be tolerated under his reign.
