Asantehene Destools Kenyase No. 2 Chief Over Alleged Breach of Asante Customs

Asantehene destools Kenyase No. 2 Chief, Odeneho Dadeako Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio, after the Asante monarch ruled that the chief had breached key Asante customs and traditions.

The decision was announced during a meeting of the Asanteman Traditional Council on July 27, 2026, where Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reportedly stated that the chief’s actions were inconsistent with the responsibilities expected of a traditional leader and custodian of Asante culture.

Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio, who had served as the Paramount Chief of Kenyase No. 2 for nearly 89 years, was reportedly the longest-serving paramount chief in the Asante Kingdom before his removal.

Reports indicate that the destoolment also affected some kingmakers within the traditional area, who were accused of violating their oaths of office. However, some council members, including the Kontihene, were reportedly spared, while certain linguists and other officials were reinstated.

According to reports, the Asantehene accused the chief of creating an unauthorised traditional position known as Hyiawohene, arguing that such a decision was beyond his authority and contrary to Asante customs.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is said to have reminded Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio of previous warnings regarding his conduct and decisions within the traditional area.

The Asante monarch reportedly questioned the chief’s authority to establish the position, explaining that traditional structures within Asanteman must be respected and preserved.

“You were a courtier at Hyiawohemaa’s house, so how can you create that position?” the Asantehene was reported to have said.

Otumfuo further accused the chief of failing to uphold the values attached to his stool and stated that repeated counsel and warnings had not resulted in a change of conduct.

Following the ruling, the traditional process of destoolment was carried out, including the removal of the chief’s footwear, which forms part of the customary procedure. Individuals appointed to complete the necessary rites were also instructed to perform the required rituals to bring the process to a conclusion.

The removal of Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio brings an end to a reign that lasted almost nine decades and highlights the Asante Kingdom’s continued commitment to enforcing traditional authority and cultural regulations.