Offinso chieftaincy saga: I am the final authority, no matter where you go – Otumfuo to KK Sarpong, family

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has moved to assert his authority as the final arbiter of all chieftaincy cases in Asanteman.

Addressing a gathering at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu clarified that he holds the power to determine who occupies a kingship seat in Asanteman.

In a veiled dig at one of the factions in the Offinso chieftaincy saga, Otumfuo Osei Tutu mentioned that the leader of the faction recognized his position and initially brought the case before him. However, because his ruling on the matter did not serve the interests of the said person, they are seeking judgment from other sources.

Otumfuo stated that his judgment on the Offinso chieftaincy dispute was based solely on the truth, and he is convinced that the truth will always prevail.

“Regarding Offinso, I handled the case with truth and fairness, in line with our customary laws. When they were contesting the case, it was brought to me, but now you are contesting my ruling. You can take it wherever you want, and they will tell you to bring the case to the Asantehene. Kingship isn’t about money; it’s about truth, love, and lineage. If the seat belongs to you but you lack the financial resources, the kingship seat will take care of you,” he said.

Otumfuo’s statement comes after the new Offinsohene was challenged by the family of Dr. Kofi Koduah (KK) Sarpong, a former CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

According to a report by Kumasi-based Oheneba Media, the family of Dr. KK Sarpong, whose nomination as Offinsohene was rejected by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, along with some members of the royal family of Offinso, petitioned the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs to challenge the legitimacy of Nana Dwamena Akenten II.

The House of Chiefs established a committee chaired by Essumagyahene, Nana Okyere Kwasi Ntiamuah, with Kumawuhene Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Koduah and Kuntanasehene as members, which convened on the matter on June 15, 2024.

The committee adjourned the hearing on the petition to July 19, 2024, because most of the stakeholders involved in the impasse had yet to respond to the issues raised in the petition.

The committee also indicated that some of the chiefs and traditional leaders mentioned in the petition have yet to be served, which is necessary for them to be able to respond to the issues raised.