Sunyani Traditional Council suspends Queenmother over disputed enstoolment

The leadership struggle within the Sunyani Traditional Area has taken a controversial turn following the indefinite suspension of the Paramount Queenmother, Nana Akosua Duaa Asor Sika Brayie II. The decision, which was announced by the Sunyani Traditional Council, bars her from carrying out any public or ceremonial duties in the name of the Council, effective immediately.

This drastic action comes in response to her alleged involvement in the attempted enstoolment of Dr. Osei Tutu as Omanhene of the Sunyani Traditional Area. The attempt was seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the Traditional Council, which had already enstooled Odeefuo Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II as the rightful successor to the late Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, who passed away in 2022.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Acting President of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Nana Kwaku Sarbeng Ababio II, who also holds the title of Akwamuhene, issued a stern warning to all institutions, including the media and state agencies, not to engage the suspended Queenmother in any official capacity. He emphasized that the decision to suspend her was taken to uphold the dignity and integrity of the chieftaincy institution.

According to reports, the Queenmother allegedly orchestrated an attempted takeover of the Sunyani Old Palace in the early hours of Monday using armed men in a bid to install her chosen candidate, Dr. Osei Tutu. This confrontation was met with resistance from private security personnel, resulting in a dramatic standoff that included gunfire. After failing to take control of the palace, she is said to have gone ahead to perform an alternative installation ceremony at her private residence in Baakoniaba.

Dr. Osei Tutu, a 63-year-old Ghanaian living in the U.S. and practicing as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, was given the stool name Ofentemfrem Omenasono Dr. Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri III during this disputed ceremony. However, the Traditional Council has condemned this act, labelling it illegal and void. Nana Ababio explained that Dr. Tutu was one of seven contenders for the stool but was disqualified during the selection process due to his failure to prove direct lineage—a key requirement in traditional succession.

The Council reiterated that only Odeefuo Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II is the legitimate chief of Sunyani, a position affirmed by the Bono Regional House of Chiefs. A legal attempt by the Queenmother to challenge his legitimacy was also thrown out by the court earlier in April 2025.

Describing the Queenmother’s conduct as shameful and deeply offensive to the traditions of the land, Nana Ababio made it clear that her unilateral actions would not be tolerated. He urged the public to disregard any claims that contradict the Council’s position and warned that any further attempts to undermine traditional authority would be met with firm resistance.

The Council’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dispute and signals their commitment to protecting the customs and structure of traditional leadership in Sunyani.