From Queen Mother Conflict to Custom Violations: How Nana Kwabena Ababio lost his stool

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled the Paramount Chief of Kenyase No 2, Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio, over what the Asantehene described as violations of Asante customs and traditions.

The decision was taken during an Asanteman Traditional Council meeting held on July 27, 2026, after the chief appeared before the Council over a number of issues concerning his conduct and administration of the traditional area.

Here are the reasons cited by Otumfuo

1. Creation of the Hyiawohene stool without authority

One of the major issues raised by Otumfuo was the creation of the Hyiawohene position by Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio.

The Asantehene questioned the chief’s authority to create the stool, arguing that his own position was linked to the authority of Kenyasehene.

“I warned you several times. Now look at the outcome. You created Hyiawohene in your area. What right do you have to do that? You were a courtier at Hyiawohemaa’s house, so how can you create that position? Through your service, Kenyase No 2 was created, and you were made the chief. The land you occupy belongs to Kenyasehene,” Otumfuo said.

2. Violation of Asante customs and traditions

Otumfuo accused the chief of engaging in acts that went against established Asante traditional practices.

The Asantehene said violating Asante traditions could not be overlooked, despite previous attempts to counsel the chief.

3. Failure to heed repeated warnings from Otumfuo

The Asantehene said he had repeatedly advised Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio about his conduct but the warnings were ignored.

“You introduced her to me as your mother, and I charged you to take care of her. You have ruined your entire family. Not one wise person has come from the family now. I know all your ploys. All along, I counselled you about the ill acts, but violating Asante traditions cannot be spared. Your reign ends now,” Otumfuo stated.

4. Dispute over the destoolment of the Queen Mother

The chief was summoned before the Asanteman Traditional Council after he announced the destoolment of the Kenyase No 2 Queen Mother, Nana Akua Tinkwamaa.

In a letter to the Registrar of the Asanteman Council, the chief accused the Queen Mother of gross insubordination.

His allegations included indiscriminate land sales, unauthorised issuance of letters on traditional council letterhead, removal of traditional office holders, appointment of sub-queens without approval, disregard for traditional authority and the alleged use of land guards.

5. Alleged improper creation of stools and appointments

The Queen Mother rejected the accusations and instead accused the chief of violating Asante customs through the creation of stools and appointments without following traditional procedures.

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She mentioned positions including Akyempimhene, Hyiawuhene, Sumankwaahene, Anantahene and Atipimhene.

6. Alleged interference in traditional governance

Nana Akua also accused the chief of allowing interference in the administration of the traditional area.

She alleged that the chief’s wife connived with his elders to destool her to enable him to sell lands and make profit without approval. Nana Akua said the chief had taken control of some traditional decisions and influenced the running of the council.

7. Land-related disputes

The conflict also involved allegations concerning land administration, including accusations over land sales, issuance of traditional documents and the management of lands within the traditional area.

8. Breach of oath of office by kingmakers

The Asantehene also found that several kingmakers had violated their oaths of office.

As a result, some kingmakers were destooled alongside the chief, while the Kontihene was spared. Some Akyeame and other linguists were also reinstated.

Following the decision, the chief’s footwear was removed in accordance with Asante customary practice, while rituals, including the slaughtering of a ram, were performed to complete the destoolment process.

Otumfuo subsequently directed the remaining traditional authorities to work with the Queen Mother to oversee the affairs of the area until further arrangements are made.

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