Asantehene destools Apatrapahemaa over lineage dispute
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled the Apatrapahemaa, Oheneba Akyaa Panin III, following findings that she is not a royal and therefore lacks the legitimate lineage to occupy the stool.
After a reign spanning 24 years, her traditional footwear was publicly removed at the Manhyia Palace, a customary act that formally signified her removal as queenmother.
The decision follows revelations that Oheneba Akyaa Panin III is not of royal blood, rendering her claim to the Apatrapahemaa stool illegitimate.
Her asserted lineage to the Bosom Prah Kumaa Stool of Apatrapa was described as unfounded and was consequently rejected.
The family of Nana Kwafo, the first chief to ascend the Apatrapa stool, maintained that Oheneba Akyaa Panin III is not related to the royal lineage by blood.
According to the family, the destooled queenmother’s family was accepted into the household solely as a caretaker and not as a member of the royal family.
They further explained that when the Apatrapa stool became vacant and the legitimate royal family lacked a qualified male successor, the caretaker family assumed control of the stool.
In his ruling, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II upheld the position of Nana Kwafo’s family, stating that, based on historical antecedents, the Apatrapa stool has no genealogical or customary connection to the Bosom Prah Kumaa Stool.
The Asantehene has consequently directed Maame Pomaa to assume temporary custodianship of the stool while processes are initiated to identify a suitable and legitimate candidate to ascend it.
