Berekum Kontihene, Osahene Asomah Agyeman Sabi II, has responded to Dormaahene’s recent claims regarding the enstoolment process of a new Berekumhene, urging him to refrain from making inaccurate statements.
In an interview posted on Facebook, Kontihene clarified Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II’s assertion that Berekum has four royal houses, stating that, according to a Supreme Court ruling, there is only a single royal house.
Responding to Dormaahene’s claims that Asantehene had favored a particular royal family in the succession matter, Kontihene countered, “Asantehene did not alter any ruling house arrangement; it was a Supreme Court ruling which is the existing policy. So, if Dormaahene says something like that, he is wrong, Otumfuo has done nothing. Keep his name out.”
Emphasizing Dormaahene’s role in Berekum matters, Kontihene asserted, “Dormaahene is, for all intents and purposes, not our spokesman. If he doesn’t have the facts, there is no need to sit on social media and peddle claims…that is why I want to absolve Otumfuo.”
He added, “Otumfuo came to dignify Berekum because if you can recall, all Berekum Paramount Chiefs went to swear an oath of allegiance at Manhyia Palace. We owe allegiance to the Golden Stool, so it is not for Dormaahene to speak for us.”
In response to his ban from attending the late Paramount Chief’s funeral, Dormaahene lamented the situation, emphasizing his rightful role in honoring the late chief. He expressed the pain of the incident and hinted at the potential importance he might hold for Berekum in the future.
This exchange marks the latest chapter in an ongoing public dispute between Dormaahene and Asantehene concerning the influence of the Ashanti overlord outside of his immediate jurisdiction.