Bono chieftaincy crisis deepens: Queenmother enstools Sunyanimanhene - Two factions install rival chiefs

The chieftaincy dispute in Sunyani, the Bono regional capital, has deepened following the enstoolment of a third person as the omanhene.

The latest installed chief is said to be a 63-year-old American-based Doctor of Physical Therapy, Dr Osei Tutu, who was enstooled with the name Ofentemfrem Omenasono Dr Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri III.

His enstoolment comes after two different factions performed customary rites and installed their preferred successors to the late Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, who died in July 2022 and was buried in April 2024.

They are Yaw Agyare, a 46-year-old correctional officer at Maryland Community in the USA, with the stool name Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II and Adom Manu, given the name Nana Yaw Twene Amanfo II.

Since the two were installed, Nana Yaw Twene Amanfo II has been very quiet, but Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II has been vibrant in town, conducting activities and receiving state and private heads of institutions and organisations to plan the development of Sunyani.

Gunshots

The latest installation at midnight on Sunday resulted in several gunshots at the Sunyani Old Palace near the COCOBOD building.

A source told the Daily Graphic that the Sunyani Queenmother, Nana Akosua Dua Asor Sika Brayie II, attempted to install the third chief at the Old Palace.

It is alleged that she used some "macho men" in her bid to overpower the private security personnel stationed at the palace to pave the way for the installation of the third chief.

However, the private security at the palace was said to have foiled the attack as they overpowered their attackers, who bolted after several exchanges of gunshots.

The source said when the queenmother's security failed to capture the palace, she installed the third chief at her private residence at Baakoniaba.

The three chiefs, who have been installed were reportedly among the seven candidates who were under consideration and appeared before a search party constituted by the kingmakers led by the Akwamuhene, Nana Kwaku Sarbeng Ababio, to vet and look for a successor.

Cartridges

When the Daily Graphic visited the palace last Monday morning, there were more than 30 empty bullet shells at the scene.

Several structures erected by petty traders in the area to transact business had been destroyed.

There were some onlookers around the palace discussing the Sunday midnight disturbance.

At about 9:10 a.m., the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, led some police personnel, including investigators to the palace.

Tension

This new development adds to the issue of who is to succeed the late Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II and has further escalated tension within the Sunyani Municipality.

The military was called to maintain peace and order because of the increasing tension at the place.

Some of the residents who spoke to the Daily Graphic expressed fear over the development in Sunyani.

They said the town over the years had been peaceful, but the recent development was putting fear in them.

They called on all parties and stakeholders to put measures in place to resolve the dispute to promote peace and development.