Sunyani Traditional Council suspends Queenmother

Paramount Queenmother, Nana Akosua Duaa Asor Sika Brayie II

The chieftaincy succession dispute rocking the Sunyani Traditional Area has escalated sharply following the indefinite suspension of the Paramount Queenmother, Nana Akosua Duaa Asor Sika Brayie II, by the Sunyani Traditional Council.

In a strongly worded announcement, the Council stated that the Queenmother has been relieved of all her public duties with immediate effect and is barred from representing the Council in any official capacity.

The suspension stems from her alleged involvement in the controversial and unauthorized installation of Dr. Osei Tutu as Omanhene, in direct defiance of the Council’s selection of Odeefuo Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II as the legitimate successor to the late Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, who passed away in July 2022 and was laid to rest in April 2024.

Public Warning and Clarification

At a press briefing, the Acting President of the Sunyani Traditional Council and Akwamuhene, Nana Kwaku Sarbeng Ababio II, issued a clear warning to all government institutions, media houses, and the general public to refrain from recognising or engaging the suspended Queenmother in any traditional or official matters.

“The Nananom of the Sunyani Traditional Area/Council hereby inform all state institutions, the media, and the general public that Nana Akosua Duaa Asor Sika Brayie II has been suspended indefinitely from her position as the Paramount Queenmother of Sunyani,” he declared.

He called on all stakeholders to take the directive seriously, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to uphold the sanctity of traditional governance.

Alleged Palace Takeover and Illegal Installation

Reports indicate that in the early hours of Monday, the Queenmother mobilised a group of men, described as "mecho men," in an attempt to forcibly seize the Sunyani Old Palace and install her preferred candidate. Private security guarding the palace, however, repelled the intrusion amid an exchange of gunfire.

Following the failed palace takeover, the Queenmother is said to have gone ahead to conduct a rival installation ceremony at her residence in Baakoniaba, enstooling Dr. Osei Tutu, a 63-year-old US-based Doctor of Physical Therapy, under the stool name Ofentemfrem Omenasono Dr Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri III.

Council Condemns ‘Illegal’ Enstoolment

Nana Ababio condemned the Queenmother’s actions as an egregious violation of customary protocols, branding the installation of Dr. Tutu as both "illegal" and "baseless."

“What transpired is a clear affront to our customs and traditions, bringing public ridicule upon the Boahen Korkor Stool,” he stated.

He underscored that Dr. Tutu had previously contested for the stool but was rejected by the Kingmakers due to his inability to substantiate his lineage—one of the fundamental requirements.

“The Queenmother has no authority to appoint anyone as chief,” he said. “Recent events at Baakoniaba claiming to install an imposter are not recognised by us. This act is not only illegal but deeply disrespectful.”

He said the entire Traditional Council views the Queenmother’s actions as a direct challenge to both the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and the Traditional Court.

“Such indiscipline will not be tolerated by the Chiefs of the Traditional Council. Nananom have made a firm decision in response to these events. We will not allow the integrity of our chieftaincy to be undermined,” Nana Ababio added.

He urged the public to disregard any counterclaims from the Queenmother or her allies and treat them with "utmost contempt."

Only One Recognised Omanhene

The Traditional Council reaffirmed that Odeefuo Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II is the sole legitimate Omanhene of the Sunyani Traditional Area.

“There is no other chief in the Sunyani Traditional Area other than Odeefuo Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II,” Nana Ababio declared.

“This has been affirmed by the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, which dismissed the interlocutory injunction filed by the Queenmother on April 8, 2025.”

He described the recognised Omanhene as a unifier and peace-builder who has consistently extended a hand of reconciliation to dissenting parties, including those aligned with the Queenmother.

As tensions persist, the Traditional Council has assured residents of its unwavering commitment to preserving peace, law, and order while protecting the customs and heritage of Sunyani.