Otumfuo Destools Kenyase No. 2 Paramount Chief Over Breach of Asante Customs

By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | July 26,2026

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled the Paramount Chief of Kenyase No. 2, Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio, following findings that he violated the customs and traditions of the Asante Kingdom.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Asanteman Traditional Council held on July 27, 2026, where the council deliberated on allegations of misconduct involving the chief and members of his traditional leadership.

According to information released after the meeting, the Asantehene also destooled nearly all of the kingmakers serving under the Kenyase No. 2 Traditional Council after they were found to have breached the oath of office and failed to uphold the customs and responsibilities expected of them.

The sanctions form part of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s continued efforts to preserve the integrity of the Asante chieftaincy institution and ensure that traditional leaders remain accountable to the customs and values they swore to protect.

Despite the sweeping disciplinary action, the Asantehene exercised clemency in some instances. The Kontihene was spared from destoolment, while the previously destooled Akyeame and other linguists of the traditional council were reinstated after the council reviewed their roles and circumstances.

The developments have attracted widespread attention across the Ashanti Region, where traditional authorities continue to play a central role in governance, land administration, conflict resolution and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Under Asante customary law, chiefs are expected to demonstrate integrity, loyalty to the Golden Stool, and strict adherence to the traditions and decisions of the Asanteman Traditional Council. Any breach of these obligations can result in sanctions ranging from reprimand to suspension or complete destoolment.

The latest action reinforces Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s long-standing commitment to protecting the credibility of the chieftaincy institution by holding traditional leaders accountable whenever customs and established protocols are violated.

Observers say the decision sends a strong message that no chief or traditional officeholder is above the laws, customs and values that govern the Asante Kingdom, regardless of rank or status.