For desecrating the venerable Asante Sacred Oath (Ntamkɛseɛ), Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II has been destooled by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
A meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council was held in the Manhyia Palace on Monday, September 2, 2024, when the decision was made in response to accusations made against Nana Opia Mensah II for allegedly manipulating historical facts and disrespecting sacred practices.
After being charged with breaking both statutory and customary laws, 90-year-old Nana Opia Mensah II, a former member of parliament and 54-year-old Wirempehene, had his title revoked.
The Asantehene scolded him for his apparent disdain for Asante traditions and his attempts to rewrite history.
“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,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II declared.
The Asantehene further accused Nana Opia Mensah II of misusing the Great Oath for personal gain, an action deemed immoral.
“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 emphasised.
In a customary act marking his removal, the chief’s traditional slippers were promptly removed, signifying his destoolment.
The Council was presented with a comprehensive report on Thursday, August 15, 2024, which strengthened the case for Nana Opia Mensah II’s removal. The report stated that the Oyoko Clan is the legitimate heir to the throne, and that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia Mensah II belongs, is not the legitimate royal house.
