Bono Chiefs Snub Asantehene?

Nana Wiafi Akenten II, Omanhene of Offinso Traditional was reportedly subjected to molestation by Techiman Bono chiefs last Monday when he went to pay his last respects at the funeral of the late Techiman Paramount chief, Osabarima Dotobibi Takyia Ameyaw II.

The Offinsohene, who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, was prevented from entering the room where the mortal remains of the late chief laid in state.

Baamuhene of Techiman, Nana Apenteng Fosu Gyeabuor said the Asantehene had looked down upon the Techiman Traditional Council by delegating a sub-chief to represent him at an august occasion like the funeral of Techimanhene, whilst paramount chiefs from other parts of the country honored their invitations.

The Chronicle?s sources at the Traditional council said the Asantehene was scheduled to attend the funeral on the first day (February 22) but he failed to do so and this was considered as disrespect to the Bonos.

It was alleged that executioners kidnapped a member of the Offinsohene?s entourage at the funeral grounds when they were making their way into the palace.

The missing man was named as Anthony Annor from Offinso.

It is said that relations between Asante and Techiman had been strained following the elevation of some chiefs from Buoyam, Tuobodom, Tano-Buasi to paramountcy by the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware.

These areas were claimed to be under the jurisdiction of Techimanhene.

Meanwhile as the late paramount chief?s body lies in state, there is controversy over the choice of his successor.

Information reaching The Chronicle has it that two sons of the queen mother of the Techiman traditional area, Nana Afua Abrafi, were in a tussle over whom to become the next paramount chief. Our source revealed that tension was rising between the supporters of the two brothers.

The Minister of Railways, Ports and Harbours, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw- Akumfi, has been accused of being the brain behind the division between the two royal brothers.

The minister was said to be on the side of the younger brother and had been pushing the queen mother not to entertain her elder son.

But Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi has denied the allegation, saying the people were concocting lies against him in their attempt to mingle chieftaincy with politics.

He said between the two brothers, whoever became the next Techimanhene, became his father as custom demanded and he did not see why he should side with any of them.

He added that whoever the kingmakers and the queen mother chose, was the automatic choice of the people of the Techiman traditional area.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi also denied telling the police not to leave the elder son, saying he only asked the police to do proper investigations into the case to ensure that both sides were satisfied.