The Fiapre Traditional Council, located in the Bono Region of Ghana, has made a bold move by seeking to elevate their chief to a paramount position through the Asanteman, led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. This decision, though surprising to some, has deep roots and is supported by the four royal families of the Fiapre Bofrese Aduana family.
The Fiapre Traditional Council’s journey toward this decision began years ago under the leadership of their late chief, Nana Poku. In 2014, Nana Poku reached out to the Bono House of Chiefs, requesting that Fiapre be recognized and elevated to paramountcy, a status that would grant their chief national recognition. However, despite their efforts, the Bono House of Chiefs did not respond to their request, leaving the community’s ambitions unmet.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, the current leadership, including the new chief Obrempong Professor Kyem Amponsah II, decided to seek help from the Asanteman in the Ashanti Region. This move was not made lightly; it was carefully considered and supported by all four royal families within the Fiapre community. According to Nana Damte Akom Adomako, a member of the royal family, the decision to approach the Asantehene was based on the community’s desire for recognition and growth, which they felt was not being addressed by the Bono House of Chiefs.
Despite the unified decision of the Fiapre royal families, there has been opposition from some quarters. Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, a prominent chief in the Bono Region, has openly challenged the Fiapre Traditional Council’s decision to seek elevation through the Asanteman. He argues that the Asantehene does not have the authority to install a paramount chief in Fiapre, as the town is under the jurisdiction of the Odumase Traditional Area in the Bono Region.
Nana Agyeman Badu II has expressed his strong opposition, stating that he would resist any attempt by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to install a paramount chief in Fiapre. He believes that such actions could lead to divisions among the chiefs in the Bono Region and has vowed to protect the integrity of the traditional authority in the area.
In response to this opposition, the Fiapre Traditional Council has remained steadfast in its decision. Bofrese Adehyea Abusuapanin Nana Ampaabeng Kyeremeh, speaking on behalf of the council, emphasized that the choice to align with the Asanteman was made after extensive discussions among the four royal families. He reiterated that this decision is final and was not taken lightly. The council believes that joining the Asanteman will bring the recognition and support they have long sought.
The council also addressed concerns from other family members who disagreed with the decision. They clarified that the move to seek elevation from the Asantehene was not a sudden or impulsive choice but rather a continuation of efforts initiated by their late chief, Nana Poku. The current leadership is determined to see these efforts through to fruition.
The decision by the Fiapre Traditional Council to seek chieftaincy elevation from the Asanteman has ignited significant debate within the Bono Region and beyond. The Odumase Number One Traditional Council, which claims jurisdiction over Fiapre, has also voiced its concerns. Led by Odumfour Dr. Kwasi Apraku, the council has cautioned the Fiapre Divisional Council against swearing allegiance to the Asantehene, asserting that Fiapre stool lands are part of the Odumase Traditional Area.
Source: Ghana Web
