The Judicial Committee of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has been formally petitioned to examine the legitimacy and enstoolment of Daasebre Twum Ampofo II, also known as Edward Boakye Fordjour, as the Chief of Asiakwa (Asiakwahene).
Petitioners claim that Daasebre Twum Ampofo II was not properly nominated by the Queen Mother and does not belong to the recognized royal lineage eligible for enstoolment as Asiakwahene. They argue that, if proven, this would constitute a serious violation of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759).
By the time of reporting, the current Asiakwahene has not responded to the petition or entered an appearance, raising further questions about the legitimacy of his occupancy. Efforts by reporters to obtain a comment from him were unsuccessful.
The petition, filed by the Asiakwa–Barekese Royal Family of the Oyoko Clan and led by the Queen Mother of Asiakwa, marks a significant escalation in the legal battle over one of the most prominent stools in the Akyem Abuakwa State—the NIFAHENE stool.
Historical Significance of the Asiakwa Stool
The Asiakwa Stool traces its origins to the 17th century, founded by Nana Agyemang Panin and his two sisters, royals of the Oyoko Clan from Asante, who settled in Asiakwa following the Ntim Gyakari War. Through marital and political alliances with the Akyem Abuakwa State, the lineage established enduring ties with the state’s paramount stool, with the Agyemang Panin Stool elevated as Head of the Nifa (Right-Wing) Division of Akyem Abuakwa.
Despite historical disruptions, including a temporary relocation to Barekese in Asante, the lineage and traditional authority of the Asiakwa Stool have remained intact. The stool maintains a unique bond with the Okyehene of Akyem Abuakwa and the Asantehene, who recognize its enduring royal status.
Allegations of Customary Breach
The petition asserts that Daasebre Twum Ampofo II’s enstoolment breached both the Chieftaincy Act and established Akan customary law. Central to the dispute is the claim that he was neither nominated by the Queen Mother nor part of the matrilineal lineage of the Agyemang Panin Stool, making his enstoolment a “customary nullity.”
The petitioners argue that the respondent lacks the customary authority to occupy the stool, rendering his occupancy illegitimate.
Implications for Okyeman Governance
As the Nifahene, the Asiakwahene is the paramount military and administrative head of the Right-Wing Division of Akyem Abuakwa. Petitioners contend that any illegitimacy in this stool threatens the integrity of customary governance, undermines ritual and administrative functions, and risks sowing division within the community.
Reliefs Sought
The Asiakwa–Barekese Royal Family is requesting the Judicial Committee to:
- Declare the respondent’s enstoolment null and void.
- Restrain the respondent from acting as Asiakwahene.
- Prevent him from performing functions associated with the Agyemang Panin Stool and the Nifa Division.
The Judicial Committee has confirmed receipt of the petition and summoned the respondent. The National House of Chiefs and the broader Akyem community are closely monitoring proceedings, anticipating a resolution that preserves the integrity of this historic royal lineage and upholds the Chieftaincy Act.
