Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has summoned chiefs of Antoa to the Manhyia Palace following the theft of one of the shrine’s deities – ‘puduo’ – as well as gold ornaments, and some expensive regalia from the dreaded god’s sanctum.
The shrine has suspended consultations, but hundreds of patrons continue to throng its premises to seek spiritual assistance.
Class FM’s Ashanti regional correspondent Frank Jackson reported Thursday that the Asante monarch summoned the chiefs of Antoa to brief him about the theft.
The 14-member delegation (all clad in black cloths) that was ushered into the private chamber of the Asantehene, arrived at the palace at 2:15 pm and left the Manhyia Palace after a brief meeting at 3:10pm.
During the brief meeting, the Asantehene charged the 14-member delegation to produce the Antoahene Otipuduosuo Nana Kwame Owusu Agyemang within the shortest possible for questioning, or risk facing his wrath. The Antoahene is currently in the United States of America.
The delegation, after meeting the Asantehene, moved to Antoa to slaughter a sheep and pour libation as part of processes to begin searching for the stolen deity.
The chiefs and residents of Antoa discovered the theft two weeks ago. Six people in charge of the sanctum were arrested by the police in connection with the theft, but have been granted police enquiry bail to assist with investigations.