Asaman Kani Royal Family repudiates court action

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Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 6 April ?99

Barima Kwaku Duah, Asantehene -elect on Monday swore the customary oath to the chiefs of the Kumasi Traditional Area under the stool name Otumfuo Osei Tutu the Second at "Dwaberem" at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, 49, successor to Otumfuo Opoku Ware the Second, who died on February 25 this year, held the "Mponponsuo", the state sword in his right hand, espoused the greatness, achievements and conquests of his ancestors and pledge to blaze their trail. "If I fail to continue the exploits of my ancestors and fail in my duty I contravene the Great Oath of Asante", he declared.

The enthusiastic crowd that had gathered there immediately mobbed Otumfuo Osei Tutu. Bare-chested-youth carried him on their shoulders, while women besmeared him with powder amidst singing of praises, drumming and dancing The ecstatic crowd broke the security cordon to cast a glimpse at the new Asantehene. The divisional chiefs of Kumasi swore the oath of allegiance to Otumfuo Osei Tutu in turns. Earlier Baffuo Awuah the fifth, Bantamahene and acting President of the Kumasi Traditional Council on behalf of the 'Kontire Division' called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu to co-operate with his subjects and not to be bossy. He expressed the hope that under the administration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, Asanteman and Ghana would see much progress saying that he should be patient, tolerant, tactful and maintain an open administration.

Present were Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem the Second Asantehemaa, the Right Reverend Peter Akwasi Sarpong Catholic Bishop of Kumasi, Mr Kojo Yankah Ashanti Regional Minister and Mr Mike Gizo Minister of Tourism Meanwhile, the Asaman Kani Royal Family has repudiated the court action brought against the Asantehemaa by Madam Adwoa Adowaa who claims to be the Obaapanin and Head of the family. They said the actions of Madam Adwoa Adowaa are calculated to undermine the family before Asanteman. They have, therefore," wholeheartedly declared their support for Asanteman in the traditional process that would lead to the ascending of Barima Kwaku Duah to the Golden Stool. Addressing a press conference in Kumasi on Sunday, the four families of Asaman Kani Royal Family said they do not belong to the Ekuona but rather the Oyoko clan.

Abusuapanin Yaw Dwumfuoh of Kwadaso, Opanin Kwabena Anane of Tetrem, Osei Dankwa of Akim-Oda and Kwadwo Osei Adu of Akyeremade/Woamase, Obaapanin Yaa Achaa and Obahemaa Yaa Tiwaa Praman represented the families. The four families said Madam Adowaa, who claims to be the Obaapanin and head of the Asaman Kani Royal Family is an imposter and that the purported petition against the Asantehemaa is not the act of the Asaman Kani Royal family and should, therefore, be treated with contempt.

According to them, the action initiated by Madam Adowaa is her own action and not the act of the Asaman Kani royal family, which they represent. That at no time has the family authorised, permitted or mandated Madam Adowaa, whom they described as "a well-known vexatious litigant" to commence the action. They said Madam Adowaa, who styles herself as Obaapanin and head of the Asaman Kani Royal Family has since September 1996 been removed as the caretaker of the family lands in the Kumasi Metropolis through a publication in the "Pioneer" of January 14, 1997.

Madam Adowaa, they claimed, is not and has not at any time been elected as head of the Asaman Kani Royal Family and that there is only one Obaapanin for the family in the person of Obaapanin Yaa Achiaa. They said as a result of the publication, Madam Adowaa filed a libel suit at a Kumasi High Court against the publication and that in reaction to the suit, Obaapanin Yaa Achiaa and Abusuapanin Yaw Dwumfuoh also filed their statement of defence They pointed out that as a result of the suits, various actions pending at the High Court commenced by Madam Adowaa in her assumed title as Obaapanin and Head of the Asaman Kani Royal family have been stayed pending the final determination of the libel suit. They said it is very strange and inconceivable for Madam Adowaa to commence fresh action under the false capacity as Obaapanin of the Asaman Kani Ekuona Royal Family.

They said with the pendency of the suit, commenced by Madam Adowaa, her action is "in utter contempt of the High Court".