Why Cheddar has offered his 'head as a sacrifice' to end the Otumfuo-Dormaahene brouhaha

Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, the presidential candidate of the New Force

Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, the presidential candidate of the New Force, has stated his determination to resolve the ongoing conflict between Ghana’s two prominent chiefs, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II.

According to Nana Kwame Bediako, the chiefs are the embodiment of peace in the country, and any feud between them could affect the nation. As a result, he is pledging to mediate between the two chiefs for the sake of development.

Speaking during a visit to the Dormaahene’s palace as part of his regional tour to convince Ghanaians to vote for him ahead of the 2024 elections, he stated, “Otumfuo and Osagyefo, these are two significant names, and both are chiefs. If it weren’t for the blessings of God, they wouldn’t have become chiefs. But things happen for a reason.

“I came here with drinks to appease you, and I will plead on behalf of Otumfuo as well, to cease all grudges between the two of you. I, Nana Kwame Bediako, am offering my head for the sake of peace. If the two of you are united, we have peace in Ghana. But if there is separation, then we are also separated. What I am asking them to do, if it doesn’t become possible, they should behead me.”

In response, Dormaahene pledged to ensure that his efforts to maintain peace with Otumfuo would not be in vain.

“What he said has left me speechless. He has addressed issues that our leaders in the country cannot talk about. Who doesn’t want peace? I have thought about it, and I promise him that his efforts won’t be in vain. If not for Ghana’s 1992 constitution that prohibits chiefs from engaging in politics, I would have declared my support for him,” he said.

Dormahene has been a vocal critic of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II over certain traditional authorities he feels the Asantehene is not entitled.

Despite the lack of a direct reason, it remains a fact that Dormaahene and Asantehene are not friends.

This strained relationship has been evident over the years through various instances of their supposed ‘bad blood,’ as reported in the media.

Dormahene’s latest criticisms of Otumfuo involve a dispute surrounding Fiaprehene’s elevation to paramountcy by Otumfuo, which Dormaahene argues is beyond the Asantehene’s authority.