Chiefs, Queen Mothers, and Principal Elders of the Odau group under the Benkum Division of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area have distanced themselves from a purported rebellion by the Chief of Etwereso, Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, who also serves as leader of the Odau Group.
The Etwereso Chief had publicly challenged the authority of the Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and declared that he would no longer recognize the Okyenhene if his preferred candidate was not installed as Osenasehene.
In response, leaders from Odau towns—including Buadua, Kwae, Banka, Ahweamu, Subi, Mmronam, Adubease, Chia, Odumase Pramkese, and Osenasw—condemned the statements, calling them “entirely false and unacceptable.”
Barima Amo Gyabi, Ahweamuhene, said:
“We have heard and watched with dismay the statements and videos issued by the Chief of Etwereso denying Osagyefo Amoatia as his Overlord. We wish to make it abundantly clear that we reject those statements entirely. The Okyenhene is our Overlord. He has been the Overlord of our fathers, and he remains the Overlord of us and our children yet unborn. Any chief who denies this truth denies the very foundation upon which our chieftaincy stands and must face the consequences.”
The Odau principal elders also met with the Akyem Abuakwa State Standing Committee at the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi to formally distance themselves from the Etwereso Chief’s actions.
Barima Amo Gyabi added:
“Our allegiance remains solely and wholly with His Majesty Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyenhene and rightful Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa. From time immemorial, our stools and allegiance have been subordinate to the Ofori Panin Stool. No chief, however loud his voice or bold his declarations, can sever what custom and ancestry have joined over centuries. We have never consented to any breakaway, and we never shall.”
Barima Kwasi Frimping, Pramkesehene, further denounced the Etwereso Chief’s claim that Etwereso is an independent kingdom:
“We completely and publicly reject the declaration of an ‘Odau Kingdom’ by the Chief of Etwereso. We know of no such kingdom in our history. Our towns are not and shall never be part of any self-declared paramountcy. If the Chief of Etwereso wishes to pursue this path alone, that is a matter between him and his conscience. But he does not speak for us, and he does not represent us.”
The Odau leaders urged calm regarding the Osenase Chieftaincy issue and expressed confidence in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council to resolve it:
“While we strongly denounce the actions of the Chief of Etwereso, we are not warmongers. We call on all parties to remain calm. This matter belongs before the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and the appropriate judicial committees—not in public insults, social media, or self-declared kingdoms. We urge the Chief of Etwereso to retract his statements and return to the path of custom, respect, and lawful procedure.”
The resolution, signed by Bankahemaa Obaapanin Anima Fremo, Barima Kwasi Frimping II (Pramkesehene), Regent of Osenas Nana Asafo Agyei, Buaduahene Barima Kwasi Agyakwa, Subihene Barima Amoah Bosompem III, Kwaehene Barima Kwaku Amankwa III, Ahweamuhene Barima Kwaku Amo Gyabi, Queenmother of Chia Obaapanin Ntiamoah Buadua, and Abusuapanin Addo Dankwa, called on the Okyenhene to accept their reaffirmed loyalty to the Ofori Panin Stool.
