“I warned you several times" — Otumfuo destools 110-year-old chief of Kenyase No. 2

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled the Chief of Kenyase No. 2 in the Ahafo Region, Nana Kwabena Nsiah Ababio, after finding him guilty of repeatedly violating Asante customs and traditions.

The decision was announced during a sitting of the Asanteman Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Nana Nsiah Ababio, popularly known as Aban, was removed from office after the Asantehene concluded that he had persistently disregarded established traditional authority and practices despite several warnings.

Addressing the chief before the destoolment, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II accused him of creating a Hyiawohene stool in his traditional area without the necessary authority, describing the action as a serious breach of Asante custom.

“I warned you several times. Now look at the outcome. You have created Hyiawohene in your area.”

“By what authority did you do that?” the Asantehene asked, adding: “You were once a courtier at Hyiawohemaa's residence; how then could you establish that position in Kenyase?

“Through your own service, Kenyase No. 2 was founded, and you were elevated to the chieftaincy.”

The Asantehene further reminded the chief that the land he occupied belonged to the Kenyasehene and said repeated counsel had failed to correct his conduct.

“Even the land you occupy belongs to the Kenyasehene.

“All this while, I counseled you regarding the wrongs you were committing; transgressions of Asante traditions cannot go unpunished.”

“Your reign ends now,” Otumfuo declared.

Following the pronouncement, customary rites were immediately performed, including the removal of the chief's traditional sandals (chachaw), while designated persons were instructed to slaughter a ram to complete the destoolment process.

The Asantehene also destooled nearly all the kingmakers of Kenyase No. 2 after determining that they had breached their traditional oaths.

However, the Kontihene was spared, while the Akyeame and other linguists who had previously been removed from office were reinstated to the traditional council.

In addition, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II restored Nana Akua Tinkwamaa as queen of the community after she had earlier been destooled by Nana Nsiah Ababio.

“There is no other kingmaker in the town now.

“Your remaining kingmakers must assist the queen to steer the affairs of the area,” the Asantehene directed.