Akuapem Traditional Area installs new Okuapehene

The kingmakers of the Akuapem Traditional Area have begun the traditional processes to install Odehye Kwadwo Kesse as the next Okuapehene.

The process comes just a day after the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs ruled to end years of litigation between two factions over who should succeed the late Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Nana Addo Dankwa III who died five years ago.

Odehye Kesse, 34, becomes the youngest Paramount Chief in the whole of the Eastern Region.

Installation

On Sunday, the new Okuapehene will be sworn in per the custom of the Akuapem tradition.

Having gone through the mandatory 40-day confinement, the installation processes continued yesterday morning with the family head and Abrewatia of Sakyiabea Royal Gate, Madam Lily Nana Agyeman, introducing Odehye Kesse to the appropriate Kingmakers,

As a sign of acceptance, a ram was slaughtered and its blood sprinkled on his feet after which he was paraded through the Akropong township to introduce him to the public as the chosen Okuapehene, an exercise that attracted many people who came out to witness.

A family source told the Daily Graphic that as directed by the traditional council, all the customary rites were observed within the allowed number of 25 persons under the current ban on social and traditional gathering.

“However, what happened outside could not be controlled as many people wanted to see who their new chief was. We sought permission to go through the process,” he explained.

Odehye Kwadwo Kesse

The 34-year-old Okuapenhene holds a degree in Business Adminstration from the WestChester Community College, Val Halla, New York after completing his senior high school education at the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School Legon. He is married.

Ruling

Last Thursday, the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs declared the installation of Odehyee Kwasi Akuffo as the Okuapehene by the Queenmother of the Akuapem Traditional Area as null and void.

According to the committee, the selection of the Okuapehene by the Queenmother of the area, Nana Afua Nketiaa Obuo II, was against the laid down custom and tradition of Akuapem.

It further held that per the tradition and custom of Akuapem, it was the Abrewatia of Sakyiabea Royal Family, the family with the mandate to install the new Okuapehene, that had the power to select someone to be installed as Okuapehene.

The committee, chaired by Nene Sackitey, the Konor of Manya Krobo, held that there was no proof that the installation of Odehyee Kwasi Akuffo by the queenmother was done with the involvement of the Abrewatia.

Dispute

The chieftaincy dispute began about three years ago following a misunderstanding between factions in the Sakyiabea Royal Gate over whose turn it was to produce the next Okuapehene.

The Queenmother had by herself selected one Odehye Kwasi Akuffo and installed him as chief. At the same time, the Abrewatia had nominated Odehye Kesse to be heir to the throne to succeed the late Oseeadeyo Addo Dankwa III.

Unsatisfied about events, the Abrewatia petitioned the Regional House of Chiefs, challenging the traditional capacity of the Paramount Queen in nominating and installing a Paramount Chief.