Jasikan (Volta Region) - Nana Aburam Akpandja IV, Omanhene of the Buem Traditional Area, whose purported destolment was nullified by a High Court at Ho last July, at the weekend dispelled rumours that he had abdicated.

The Omanhene, who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, following speculations that he had abdicated stated: "I am still the Buemhene and l would remain so."

He said though he was law abiding, he would not allow any disgruntled persons to destroy his hard won reputation. The Omanhene said the black stool and the regalia of the paramouncy were still in his possession and advised those making the speculation to desist from the practice in the interest of the unity of the people.

Nana Akpandja called for reconciliation between the chiefs and people for the development of the area and wished the citizens a happy and prosperous new year. In April last year, 17 divisional Chiefs and five 'Mankrados' from the Traditional Area pronounced the destoolment of the Omanhene on allegations of embezzlement of funds and arbitrary rule.

Consequently, Nana Akpandja brought a writ of certiorari before the Court for the annulment of the action by the Chiefs and 'Mankrados.' The Court presided over by Mr Justice Richard Apaloo upheld Nana Akpandja's application and quashed the purported destoolment on 19 July last year.