The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled Wirempehene Nana Opia Mensah II for desecrating the revered Asante Sacred Oath (Ntamkɛseɛ).

The decision was announced on Monday, 2 September 2024, during a meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace, following allegations that Nana Opia Mensah II had dishonoured sacred customs and manipulated historical facts for personal gain.

Nana Opia Mensah II, a 90-year-old former Member of Parliament who reigned as Wirempehene for 54 years, was stripped of his title after being accused of violating both statutory and traditional laws.

The Asantehene reprimanded him for his blatant disregard for Asante traditions and his attempts to distort history.

“Nana Opia, you knowingly and deceitfully invoked the Great Oath, despite being fully aware that the stool did not rightfully belong to you. You deliberately challenged its ownership, attempting to exploit your long reign to conceal your illegitimacy," Otumfuo Osei Tutu II declared.

The Asantehene further accused Nana Opia Mensah II of exploiting the Great Oath for personal gain, an action deemed unacceptable.

"By misusing the Great Oath for personal gain, you have forfeited your claim to the stool. Your actions have left you no choice but to relinquish the throne," Otumfuo emphasised.

In a customary act marking his removal, the chief's traditional slippers were promptly removed, signifying his destoolment.

The decision follows a comprehensive report presented to the Council on Thursday, 15 August 2024, which revealed that the Aduana Clan, to which Nana Opia Mensah II belongs, is not the legitimate royal house. The report affirmed that the Oyoko Clan holds the rightful claim to the throne, strengthening the basis for his removal.