Otumfuor and Dormahene Spark Tribal Tension In Heated War of Words

The Overlord of Asanteman, Otumfuor Osei Tutu ll, has as a matter of serious rarity, spoken in anger during a meeting of the Asanteman Council on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, as he accuses the Chief of Drobo in the Bono Region of sabotaging paramountcies in the region which owe allegiance to the golden stool.

According to the Otumfuor, intimidation and attacks on some chiefs of Asanteman territories in Bono will not be allowed to pass without Asanteman taking action.

“In the Bono region where Nananom who owe allegiance have become subjects of attacks, we will face them squarely,” Otumfuo vowed in the meeting with the Asanteman Council, highest decision-making body of the Asante Kingdom, in Kumasi.

According to reports, the Asantehene’s anger was sparked by attempts by Drobohene to oppose the elevation of Japekrom into a Paramountcy.

In the past, there has been a clash between the two traditional areas over chieftaincy issues that have not been resolved.

Earlier, the Dormahene Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II had challenged the Otumfuo’s authority in demanding allegiance from chiefs of Bono, saying the ancient people who stayed at modern-day Kumasi were slaves to the Denkyirahene.

According to Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, the main job of the ancestors of the Ashantis was to cut wood using axe for the kingdom of Denkyira which had defeated the Ashantis several times in tribal wars.

Recounting history, the Dormahene said the Ashantis were called “Akuma Ase Fo” meaning descendants or inhabitants of the Axe.

“We the Dormass are so powerful that we severed the head of some Asante chiefs in my Palace. We slashed their heads through historical wars. How can you be more powerful than somebody who conquered you 7 times in a war, killed your warlords and chiefs and took you captives?” Dormaahene quizzed.

“They should stop distorting their history just to look good. Okomfo Anokye didn’t plant any KUM TREE which later became KUMASI, They got the name out of their servant jobs using axe to cut firewood. AKUMA ASE FO (Kumasi)” The chief said.

The Otumfuo would reply with a veiled threat, “… anybody trying to raise his or her shoulders must be careful, not under my watch. If you claim you are a man, I am also a man. And with Drobohene my uncle lifted you up in 1948.” Otumfuo jabbed the Dormahene.

He thundered further, “Being gazetted does not make one a chief; being a chief is when you swear before Asantehene. Therefore, all those in Bono East must be careful with their dealings. If you are a man enough, then be prepared to face me,” he said.