Kingmakers of the Adzin-We Royal Family of Nungua and Katamanso, led by Rexford Nii Odai Laryea Dziwili, have firmly rejected claims by Seth Otu Okley that he is the Head of Family and therefore clothed with the authority to determine who occupies the Katamanso Stool.
According to the kingmakers, Mr. Okley’s assertion that he holds the position of Head of the Adzin-We Family is “false, misleading and self-serving,” insisting that he lacks the customary mandate to nominate or install a chief for Katamanso.
They strongly reaffirmed their support for Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, who was duly nominated, elected and installed under the stool name Tatse Nii Laryea Akuetteh X, in accordance with laid-down custom and tradition.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Dziwili maintained that the processes leading to Afotey-Agbo’s installation followed extensive family consultations and were endorsed by principal members of the royal clan.
He stressed that the kingmakers and elders remain resolute in their recognition of Afotey-Agbo as the legitimate Chief of Katamanso.
The group further disclosed that several petitions have been submitted challenging Mr. Okley’s claim to desist from holding himself up of the headship position of the family, arguing that it has become common knowledge within the traditional area that he does not hold that position.
They contend that his court action is an attempt to undermine a duly completed customary process.
The dispute is currently before the Judicial Committee of the Nungua Traditional Council, where Mr. Okley is seeking a declaration that he is the rightful person to nominate a candidate for enstoolment and asking that Afotey-Agbo’s installation be declared null and void of which he has abandoned as usual of him.
The kingmakers insist that Mr. Okley does not possess the legal or customary standing to make such a determination.
They described his claim as an overreach and urged him to desist from actions that could disrupt peace within the community.
“We have followed due custom and tradition. The chief has been duly installed. He must be allowed to reign in peace,” the group emphasized.
They cautioned against any attempts to create confusion in Katamanso, reiterating that the authority to nominate and present a candidate rests with the recognized leadership of the royal family and its kingmakers — not with an individual without portfolio and consensus.
The kingmakers have therefore called on residents, stakeholders and the general public to disregard Mr. Okley’s claims and support efforts to maintain unity and stability in the traditional area.
