Oseadeeyo urges calm over disputed Queenmother installation in Akyem Oda

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Overlord of Akyem Kotoku, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV, has called for calm following a controversial attempt by an alleged unauthorised group to install a queenmother in Akyem Oda.

The appeal was made on Monday, March 30, 2026, when several chiefs and hundreds of Akyem Kotoku natives convened at the Kotoku Palace to deliberate on the matter, which has generated widespread concern within the traditional area.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, January 29, 2026, when approximately 70 individuals gathered at the residence of Barima Tawia in Akyem Oda Old Town under the pretext of a family meeting.

The meeting, however, took an unexpected turn when a group led by self-styled Abusuapanin Emmanuel Ofori Atta of the Attafuah family, together with Yaw Asiedu Danquah, John Dekyem Attafuah and other elders, purported to install Miss Sandra Sarpong as queenmother of the Akyem Kotoku State.

The development has since sparked confusion and tension, particularly amid circulating reports regarding the health of the substantive Queenmother, Nana Akua Asantewaa III.

Addressing the gathering, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV confirmed that the queenmother is currently unwell, a situation that has fueled speculation across the community.

The circumstances surrounding the installation, described by many as swift and clandestine, have raised serious concerns among residents and traditional authorities.

Public reaction has largely been critical, with many questioning both the legitimacy of the process and the motives of the individuals involved, especially given the queenmother’s current condition.

Some observers have linked the development to longstanding efforts by members of the Attafuah family to install a queenmother from their lineage.

In response to the rising tensions, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV urged restraint and emphasised the need to uphold established customs and unity within the state.

He reiterated that, under Akan customary law, only the paramount chief has the authority to install or destool a queenmother, stating, “In Akan Customary Law, it is only the King who has the power to install and destool a Queenmother. Nobody has that power save the King.”

He further offered prayers for the swift recovery of Nana Akua Asantewaa III, expressing hope that she would soon resume her leadership role.

Meanwhile, the Police have also appealed for calm and assured the public of a thorough investigation into the incident.