Asantehene destools 110-year-old chief of Kenyase No. 2

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled Nana Kwabena Nsiah Ababio, the chief of Kenyase Number Two, for violating and breaching Asante customs and traditions. 

Nana Nsiah Ababio, popularly known as Aban, who has ruled Kenyase Number Two community in the Ahafo Region for 89 years, was stripped of the position during the Asanteman Traditional Council meeting at the Manhyia Palace, in Kumasi, on Monday July 17, 2026. 

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, speaking before the destoolment, said the embattled chief had engaged in a sustained pattern of untraditional conduct. 

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said: “I warned you several times. 

“Now look at the outcome. 

“You have created Hyiawohene in your area.” 

“By what authority did you do that?” Otumfuo queried, and said: “You were once a courtier at Hyiawohemaa’s residence; how then could you establish that position in Kenyase? 

“Through your own service, Kenyase No. 2 was founded, and you were elevated to the chieftaincy.” 

Otumfuo added: “Even the land you occupy belongs to the Kenyasehene. 

“All this while, I counseled you regarding the wrongs you were committing; transgressions of Asante traditions cannot go unpunished.” 

“Your reign ends now,” Otumfuo declared. 

The chief’s traditional footwear (chachaw) was removed immediately in accordance with customary rites, while designated persons were instructed to carry out the prescribed ram slaughter to formalise and seal the destoolment. 

Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio was destooled alongside nearly all his kingmakers, who were found to have violated their traditional oaths. 

However, the Asantehene spared the Kontihene and reinstated the destooled Akyeame and other linguists to the traditional council. 

Otumfuo Osei Tutu also reinstated Nana Akua Tinkwamaa, the queen of the community, who had been destooled previously by Nana Nsiah Ababio. 

“There is no other kingmaker in the town now. 

“Your remaining kingmakers must assist the queen to steer the affairs of the area,” Otumfuo stated. 

Source: GNA