- Asantehene orders enstoolment of Kofi Barnie
- Otumfuo intervenes in Mehame Stool dispute
- Barnie selected through traditional process
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has directed that Kofi Barnie be immediately enstooled as the selected candidate for the Mehame Stool in the Ahafo Region, following a dispute between the Obaapanin and the Royal Family over who should succeed the late Nana Owusu Konto.
The standoff arose after both sides refused to compromise on their preferred candidates. The Obaapanin, who sought to enstool her brother, one Yeboah, was opposed by the royal house and the Family head, who backed Kofi Barnie as the rightful successor.
The Obaapanin expressed her frustration, stating that she could not rule the town with Barnie, as he had been giving her the “cold shoulder.” “He has refused to speak to me,” she told the council.
In an address, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II acknowledged that tradition grants the female leader the right to select a candidate, but emphasized the need for compromise when the Family Head and the entire royal family are in opposition.
“Traditionally, the Obaapanin has the right to choose. That hasn’t changed but then her choice should be seconded by the Abusuapanin. Just as we can’t outrightly reject the candidate of the Queen, we can’t turn a blind eye to the opposition from the family,” the Asantehene said.
Otumfuo then called for peace, urging the parties involved to resolve their differences for the good of the town. “Peace must reign. I want them to unite and take care of the town for me. With what is going on now, the process hasn’t gotten to the stool elders.”
After carefully observing the situation, the Asantehene called the royal gates together to make a decision. Three names were presented by the women: Kofi Yeboah, Addai Mununkum, and Kofi Barnie. Of the four women involved, three voted in favor of Barnie, while one supported Addai.
Following this, Otumfuo summoned the Stool Elders of Mehame to make their choice. All but one elder selected Barnie.
With the matter settled, the Asantehene directed that the necessary rites be performed for Barnie’s enstoolment. “Go and enstool him and bring him back to take his oath,” he ordered.
