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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reportedly destooled the Paramount Chief of Kenyase No. 2, Odeneho Dadeako Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio, over allegations that he violated the customs and traditions of the Asante Kingdom.
The decision was reportedly announced during a meeting of the Asanteman Traditional Council on 27 July 2026, bringing an end to what is believed to have been an almost 89-year reign, making him one of the longest-serving paramount chiefs in the history of the Asante Kingdom.
According to reports, the Asantehene ruled that the chief had failed to uphold the traditional values and responsibilities expected of him as a custodian of Asante culture.
Kingmakers also affected
The reported decision also affected several kingmakers, who were destooled after being found to have breached their oaths of office.
However, the Asantehene reportedly spared the Kontihene and reinstated the destooled Akyeame and other linguists serving within the traditional council.
Unauthorised traditional position
Before announcing the destoolment, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reportedly reminded Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio of previous warnings regarding his conduct.
According to reports, the Asantehene accused the chief of creating a traditional position known as Hyiawohene without the authority to do so, describing the move as a violation of long-established Asante customs.
He was quoted as saying:
“I warned you several times. Now look at the outcome. You created Hyiawohene in your area. What right do you have to do that? You were a courtier at Hyiawohemaa’s house, so how can you create that position?”
The Asantehene further stated that the chief’s authority was tied to the traditional hierarchy of the area, stressing that such actions could not be tolerated within the Asante Kingdom.
Criticism of his leadership
Otumfuo also reportedly criticised Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio’s leadership, accusing him of failing to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to him.
He is quoted as saying:
“I counselled you about these ill acts, but violating Asante traditions cannot be spared. Your reign ends now.”
Traditional rites completed
Following the pronouncement, reports indicate that the chief’s traditional footwear was removed as part of the customary destoolment process.
Designated officials were also instructed to carry out the necessary traditional rites, including the slaughtering of a ram, to formally conclude the destoolment ceremony.
The reported decision has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the Asante Kingdom’s continued commitment to enforcing its customs, traditions and the accountability of traditional leaders.
