The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has formally destooled the Apatrapahemaa, Oheneba Akyaa Panin III, following a landmark ruling at the Manhyia Palace.
The decision was reached after traditional investigations revealed that Oheneba Akyaa Panin III is not of royal blood. According to customary findings, she lacks the legitimate lineage required to occupy the stool, rendering her claim illegitimate.
During the proceedings, the formal act of destoolment was executed through a public ritual. In accordance with Asante tradition, Oheneba Akyaa Panin III had her traditional footwear removed at the palace—a symbolic gesture signifying her immediate removal from office and the loss of her status as queenmother.
The dispute centered on her claimed connection to the Bosom Prah Kumaa Stool of Apatrapa.
However, the family of Nana Kwafo (the founding chief of the Apatrapa stool) successfully argued that Oheneba Akyaa Panin III bears no biological link to the royal lineage.
They also noted that her family was originally welcomed into the household only as caretakers, not as royals.
The caretaker family assumed control of the stool only during a period when the legitimate royal family lacked a qualified male successor.
In his final judgment, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II upheld the position of Nana Kwafo’s family.
He ruled that historical records show no genealogical or customary connection between the Apatrapa stool and the Bosom Prah Kumaa Stool.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has appointed Maame Pomaa as the temporary custodian of the stool. She will oversee its affairs while a search is conducted for a suitable and legitimate candidate to officially succeed the position.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
