A deepening chieftaincy dispute within the Akyem traditional setup has escalated dramatically, as the Odau Ofosu-Pema Royal Family has formally announced a breakaway from the authority of the Okyenhene, declaring Odauman an autonomous traditional entity.
At a press briefing held at Odau Fie in Akyem Etwereso on April 12, 2026, the family accused the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, of breaching long-standing customs and acting beyond his traditional authority in a protracted dispute with the Odauhene, Odeneho Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe.
The conflict stems from a series of decisions announced at the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi, including a ban on the Odauhene from entering the palace, the removal of his “Daasebre” title, and the alleged annexation of Odau towns.
Also read: Agbana outlines development gains at Ketu North accountability forum
According to the Ofosu-Pema Royal Family, the Okyenhene’s directive barring the Odauhene from the Ofori Panin Fie breaks over 300 years of tradition and mutual respect between the two stools.
They cited historical cooperation between the Okyenhene’s lineage and past Odau leaders, particularly referring to the relationship between Nana Sir Ofori Atta I and Odauhene Barima Obeng Akese, as evidence of longstanding diplomatic ties.
The family further rejected the Okyenhene’s attempt to strip the Odauhene of the “Daasebre” title, arguing that such titles are not the exclusive preserve of the Okyenhene and can be determined by respective royal lineages.
At the heart of the impasse is the contested enstoolment of Boakye Asafo Agyei as regent of Osenase—a move the Odauhene and his family insist violates customary lineage rules.
They maintain that Asafo Agyei is not a member of the Ofosu-Pema royal family and therefore ineligible for the position.
The situation reportedly escalated after an arbitration process initiated in Kyebi was adjourned indefinitely, only for the Okyenhene to later deliver a ruling in favour of Asafo Agyei without reconvening proceedings.
The family also alleged that the Odauhene was attacked in Osenase by individuals linked to the dispute, leading to a police case and advice from the Attorney-General for prosecution of the suspects.
The Ofosu-Pema Royal Family accused the Okyenhene of violating the sacred oath of mutual protection between the two stools by failing to act following the alleged attack on the Odauhene.
They argue that this breach nullifies their allegiance to the Okyenhene and the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council.
In a sweeping declaration, the family announced that Odauman has formally exited the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and will no longer be bound by its authority.
They proclaimed that:
The Odauhene will henceforth bear the title “Odeneho,” signifying independence
All Odau lands and towns remain under the exclusive authority of the Odau stool
Odauman will establish and seek official recognition for its own Traditional Council
The Odauhene will exercise full judicial authority over traditional matters within the area
The family also asserted that Odauman joined Akyem Abuakwa historically as an ally—not through conquest—and therefore retains full sovereignty over its territories.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, the family called for peaceful coexistence with other Akyem states—Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Bosome, and Akyem Kotoku—while affirming the emergence of what they describe as a fourth distinct Akyem kingdom: Akyem Odau.