The centuries-old traditional relationship between the Akyem Abuakwa traditional Council and Akyem Odauman has come to a dramatic end.
This followed a declaration by the Chiefs, Kingmakers, family heads and the Adau Ofosu-Pema Royal Family officially withdrawing from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, effectively ending a relationship that has spanned close to 300 years.
Announcing the breakaway at a news conference on April 12, 2026, the Chiefs said, “The Ofosu-Pema household has worked with the Ofori Panin Household for more than 3 centuries. Today, we end that alliance. We own our towns, villages and lands and we strongly urge the occupants of Ofori Panin fie to leave our ancestral properties alone.”
Seeking to establish Odauman Traditional Council
As part of the transition, the chiefs have announced plans to seek formal recognition from the Government of Ghana for the establishment of a separate Odauman Traditional Council.
They have also announced a rebranding of the stool, declaring that the occupant shall henceforth be known as “Odeneho,” signaling independence from Okyeman authority.
“We shall make representation to the Government to provide us with the necessary certificate for a recognised Traditional Council as all our citizens are no longer bound by the ruling of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council.
“In reaching these declaration, we consulted the Apankanfo of the Traditional Area and got their concurrence to act accordingly.
“There are now 4 distinct Akyem Kingdoms, Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Bosome, Akyem Kotoku and Akyem Odau. We seek peace and cooperation with all of them” the Ofosu-Pema Royal family indicated.
The announcement came amid an escalating impasse between the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and the Odauhene, now declared as Odeneho Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe.
The fallout was said to have been triggered by series of decisions by Okyenhene, including a ban on the Odauhene from entering the Ofori Panin Palace in Kyebi, the withdrawal of the “Daasebre” title, and attempts to reassign towns traditionally under Odauman authority.
Speaking at the news conference, the Twafohene of Odauman, Barfuor Osei Afrifa explained that the cause of Okyenhene’s decision stems from chieftaincy dispute in Akyem Osenase, where the Odauhene opposed to installation of a non-royal as regent.
The disagreement escalated after what the Ofosu-Pema family described as a breach of customary processes and disregard for due procedure by Okyenhene.
“When the Okyenhene tried many times to install Boakye Asafo Agyei as the regent of Osenase, the Odauhene resisted on the grounds that Asafo Agyei is not a member of the royal family.
“Royal linage is by birth and Boakye Asafo Agyei was not birthed by any of the women of this family. This representation was made to the Okyenhene severally but the Okyenhene persisted.
“In fact, when the case was brought before the Okyenhene’s Arbitration in Kyebi, the Okyenhene appointed a 3-member fact finding panel to look into the matter and advise accordingly. During the first day of the hearing, the proceedings degenerated into heated exchanges, necessitating the panel to adjourn the proceedings sine die. Ladies and gentlemen, without any notice, the Okyenhene delivered a ruling in favour of Boakye Asafo Agyei. How could a case that had been adjourned sine die be ruled upon?” Barfuor Osei Afrifa quizzed.
Independence of Odauman
The Ofosu-Pema Royal Family declared that Odauman’s allegiance to the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council had ceased with immediate effect.
Representatives from key family settlements, including Etwereso, Osenase, Kwabeng, and Dunkwa Mfuom, were present at the media briefing.
According to members of the family, Odauman joined the Akyem Abuakwa State historically as an ally and not through conquest.
They indicated that the family retains sovereignty over its lands and traditional authority with over 12 towns as well as 58 villages, and therefore no longer part of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council.
“The Odauhene will no longer owe allegiance to the Okyenhene. The stool title has been formally changed from Daasebre to Odeneho, symbolizing autonomy and independence.
“All judicial, and administrative authority within Odauman will now be exercised independently,” the Adau Ofosu-Pema Royal Family emphasised.
Ownership of villages and towns
The chiefs and the royal family reaffirmed ownership over key towns including Akyem Etwereso and Akyem Osenase, as well as other settlements under Odauman jurisdiction, rejecting any claims of annexation by Akyem Abuakwa.
“The Odauhene has Akyem Osenase and Etwereso as his twin capitals. The Other towns are:Asante Akyem Banka, Asante Akyem Moronamu, Akyem Adubiase, Akyem Anweam, Akyem Buadua, Akyem Chia, Akyem Kwae, Akyem Odumase, Akyem Pramkese and Akyem Subi.
“These towns have from time immemorial been known and considered Odauhene’s towns. On what basis is the Okyenhene trying to Annex those towns for himself? If you have decided you do not want the friendship of the Odauhene, why do you want to keep hold of his towns?”
They further emphasised that recent “oaths of allegiance and loyalty that emanate from signatures procured under duress and undue influence do not confer sovereignty over Odauhene’s towns.The display they put out as proof of annexation of Odauhene towns was pathetic. They got the impostor Asafo Agyei to declare for Osenase and Etwereso”.
They cited historical records, including colonial-era legal documents, to support their claim that these lands have always belonged to the Odau stool stating that when the Odauhene joined the Akyem Abuakwa State, he joined as a friend and ally.
“The Odauhene was not conquered by the Okyenhene nor were his towns and lands gifted to him by the Okyenhene.
“The Odauhene was an independent state actor who joined with his towns and vast territories.
“The Odaus were hunter warriors who were fierce fighters and earned the reputation as Odau Nim Ako (Odau knows how to fight),” the Adau Ofosu-Pema Royal family reiterared.
