The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a terse warning to government officials over alleged abuse of power in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Sampa in the Bono Region, describing recent developments as unjust and a threat to the rule of law.
Speaking at a public engagement recently, the revered traditional ruler criticised the conduct of some state authorities, including the Bono Regional Minister, the Interior Minister, the Minister for Local Government, and the Regional Police Command, over their handling of the situation.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II cautioned that political power is temporary and must be exercised with fairness and responsibility.
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“Power is not permanent; it is transient. If today you have power, you may choose to use it as you wish, but you must remember that it will not last forever,” he stated.
The Asantehene expressed concern over what he described as selective law enforcement in Sampa, alleging that security operations have targeted only one faction in the dispute while leaving the other side untouched.
“If you go to Sampa to arrest people involved in the conflict, how do you arrest only one side and leave the other? Is that justice?” he questioned.
He further alleged political interference in security matters, claiming that the Regional Minister called a judge on holiday to remand some of the individuals who were arrested in connection with the disturbances.
According to him, such actions undermine public confidence in state institutions and risk escalating tensions in an already volatile situation.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also raised concerns about restrictions placed on one party in the dispute despite a court ruling in their favour.
He indicated that the individual recognized by the court had been prevented from entering Sampa, while the opposing faction, against whom the ruling was made, was allegedly being allowed free access to the town.
“The chieftaincy matter went to court, and the court ruled in favour of one person. Yet when he attempts to return to his hometown, permission is denied, while the other party is allowed to enter and do as they please,” he said.
He warned that such actions could deepen divisions and fuel further unrest if not addressed promptly and fairly.
Reaffirming his confidence in the rule of law, the Asantehene stressed that the legitimately recognised chief would ultimately assume his rightful place.
“The acknowledged chief of Sampa will not die; one day, he will enter the town,” he declared.
Sampa, a key town in the Bono Region, has in recent times been the centre of a protracted chieftaincy dispute that has led to heightened tensions and intermittent clashes between rival factions.
The dispute, rooted in longstanding succession disagreements, has been the subject of legal proceedings, with a court reportedly ruling in favour of one of the claimants. However, the enforcement of the ruling has remained contentious, with accusations of political interference and bias by local authorities.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s intervention adds significant weight to concerns, given his influence and longstanding role in mediating disputes across the country.
His comments may increase pressure on government officials and security agencies to act impartially and uphold the rule of law in resolving the Sampa chieftaincy impasse.