Effiduase in the New Juaben Traditional Area is on edge as controversy brews over the sale of a portion of public cemetery land—used to bury COVID-19 victims—to a private developer for GH₵700,000 to build a church.
The sale has triggered fierce resistance, leading to the alleged destoolment of the Ekuasehene, Okatakyie Opoku Oware, who has been vocal in opposing the move.
Effiduasehene Nana Okowia Dwumo Baabu announced the destoolment on Sunday at the palace, accusing the Ekuasehene of insubordination.
But his declaration was swiftly dismissed by the Ekuase Bretuo Royal Family, who argued that the Effiduasehene has no traditional authority to remove their chief.
“The Ekuase stool is a family stool, not subject to the authority of the Effiduasehene,” said Opanyin Kwame Nyarko, head of the Bretuo family. “Only the Bretuo Royal Family holds the customary right to enstool or destool our chief. This destoolment is null and void.”
The confrontation escalated as gunshots rang out, prompting the deployment of armed police to maintain order around the palace.
Speaking to the media, the embattled Ekuasehene, Okatakyie Opoku Oware, described the destoolment attempt as illegitimate and politically motivated. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting public lands and fighting what he called “the reckless sale of communal property.”
“I won’t back down,” he stated. “I will continue to stand against this abuse of power and protect the future of our people.”
Attempts by Starr News to speak with Effiduasehene Okowia Dwumo Baabu and his elders proved futile, as the palace was locked following the heated events. For now, tension remains high, with no clear resolution in sight.
