The burial of the Ankobeahene of Boso-Gua, Nana Obiri Yeboah, on May 18, 2024, has ignited a heated debate within the Boso-Gua and Anum communities.
The burial ceremony, held at Anum, has become a focal point of controversy, overshadowing what should have been a moment of unity and reverence, instead, it has exposed the traditional practices of the people to public scrutiny.
Nana Obiri Yeboah’s demise last year has left a legacy of discord, primarily stemming from alleged deviations in customary procedures attributed to traditionally destooled Nana Osei Nyarko III, the Boso-Gua Manhene and formerly the vice president of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs. Nana Osei Nyarko III’s actions, particularly in the elevation of Nana Obiri Yeboah from Mmrantehene to Ankobeahene have raised concerns over adherence to established customs, especially within the matrilineal inheritance system of Boso-Gua community.
It is reported that the controversy begun when Nana Obiri Yeboah himself carved his own black stool which was rejected by the elders of the Dwomuna / Asona royal family at Boso. Consequently, another black stool was crafted by Nana Osei Nyarko III and presented as a gift to Nana Obiri Yeboah’s paternal Bretuo family at Anum, despite Nana Obiri Yeboah being maternally from the Aduana family also at Anum. Despite these irregularities, Nana Obiri Yeboah as an Aduana was enstooled Ankobeahene on an Asona crafted black stool gifted to his paternal Bretuo family at Anum.
Following his passing, determining the family responsible for conducting his funeral rites has become contentious. A court injunction by his paternal Bretuo family restrained the maternal Aduana family from carrying out the funeral and burial rites, Additionally, it is said that the Ankobeahemaa Nana Afua Obiribea, also not belonging to the Asona, Bretuo, or Aduana lineage but from the Asene clan, refused to surrender the Ankobeah stool to the Bretuo family members for the required funeral rites for royalty.
Digging deep into the matter, it was revealed that some gold and other ornaments belonging to the Dwomuna Asona royal family got into the possession of Nana Obiri Yeboah and by some bizarre twist of events, he got hold of those items.
But as a prerequisite towards his burial, the Dwomuna/Asona royal family demanded that those items including the black stool be returned before any rites would be performed to enable them bury Nana Obiri Yeboah as a royal.
After further investigations however, it is clear nobody seems to know the whereabout of those items and Nana Afua Obiribeah the Ankobeahemaa’s refusal to hand over the black stool. Whiles some citizens believe its the working of the spirits, It is rumored by others that the un-permitted use of the gold and other ornaments by Nana Obiri Yeboah is what may have caused his sudden death.
Criticism has been directed at the handling of the funeral proceedings, citing alleged external interferences. In a recorded video now circulating on social media, Nana Ntow, Krontihene of Anum, is heard venting his frustration about the issue and virtually declaring war on the chiefs and elders of Boso-Gua.
In other media channels, Osabarima Agyemang Oboahyia Okumnipa II, Krontihene of Boso is purported at a press conference to have switched allegiance and has now joined the group who still support the traditionally destooled Nana Osei Nyarko III. This is believed to have stemmed from accusations leveled at him by the people of Boso-Gua for collecting several sheep and a huge sum of money from Nana Obiri Yeboah’s maternal family with the promise of giving him a royal burial against custom, tradition and also the wish of some elders at Boso.
It is said that his promises unfortunately did not materialize so therefore the Aduana family felt cheated and betrayed. Also from other reliable sources, It is claimed that Osabarima Agyeman Oboahyia Kumnipa II intended to do all that as a favor to lure Nana Osei Nyarko III into helping him get gazetted at the Eastern Regional house of chiefs.
This sudden switch of allegiance by Osabarima Agyemang Oboahyia Okumnipa II however is said to have come as a no surprise to a majority of the Boso-Gua community who have always suspected him to be a mole in the chieftaincy dispute which has bedeviled the community for a long time. It is rumored that most of his actions have undermined progress in the community and this betrayal is considered by some citizens as his tightening of the noose around his neck which could lead to his total downfall.
My inquiries with the people of Boso also revealed that Nana Obiri Yeboah and Nana Adu Kwaku II, who is a sub Aduanahene and self-acclaimed Gyaasehene of Boso-Gua, have both been accused by the elders of Boso of flouting the traditional rules of the community. For several years, they have not joined in the annual gathering at the Letsu shrine and have also broken the taboo of observing Odweegyi stool consecration on a day after the day set for the Omanhene. It is asserted that they both connived and brought the celebrations of Odweegyi to court to the disapproval of the citizens of the Boso community.
In the aftermath, demands for transparency and accountability have resonated within Boso-Gua, urging community leaders to address grievances and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Despite the prevailing sense of sadness and disillusionment, there is a shared recognition of the necessity for healing and reconciliation to mend the fractures within the community. Upholding cherished values of tradition and respect, Boso-Gua strives to move forward while preserving its cultural heritage.
Source: SAMPSON D MENSAH (AWOMAMA) 0542378273