Odike Ups Ante Against “Galamsey” Kumasi Traditional Council

The Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’ has said he will only respond to a summons on him, by the Kumasi Traditional Council if a banishment placed on him is lifted.

The Council had summoned him on Thursday after incantations were made to banish him from the Manhyia Palace.

In a Joy FM interview, he explained the reason he did not attend the summons was because of the banishment.

“I did not go because I have been banished from Manhyia Palace and traditional instructions have to be respected,” he said.

Mr. Addai was banished for alleging on Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM, that the chiefs were complicit in illegal mining in the region.

He was also accused of inciting the youth to rise up and demonstrate against chiefs if they fail to come clear on their roles in or stance against illegal mining.

In response, the chiefs slaughtered a ram in a traditional rite to prevail on the gods to help resist any rebellion against the Asante Kingdom.

It was after the banishment rite that the Council then summoned him.

Mr. Addai said banishment “is a spiritual matter, it is not as physical as you may term them. I have been banished, a sheep has been slaughtered, a slur has been cast on my personality, it is not a joke so if I step there, anybody can come after me that I have disrespected the elders and come to the palace where I have been banished and kill me.”

Meanwhile, the Kumasi Traditional Council in a rather tyrannical move has unconstitutionally ordered Oyerepa FM, a radio station situated in Kumasi to stop broadcasting on Friday, August 26, until further notice.

The Council’s Acting President, Baffuor Amankwatia VI, who is the Bantamahene, made the announcement when a team from Oyerepa FM and TV appeared before the Traditional Council to offer an apology over remarks made by Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’ against Manhyia on their network.