SHOWDOWN IN OKUAPEMMAN: Why Suspended Queen Mother’s Bid to Block Justice Sophia Akuffo’s Enstoolment Fails Customary Law
By Victoria Asiedu-Ofei
AKROPONG-AKUAPEM — A high-stakes traditional dispute has erupted in the Akuapem Traditional Area following a public declaration by the Queen Mother, Nana Afua Nketia Obuo II, purporting to reject the enstoolment of former Chief Justice Her Ladyship Sophia Akuffo as the Mmrahene (Legal Chief) of Okuapemman.
However, palace insiders, legal experts, and senior kingmakers have swiftly countered the move, revealing that the Queen Mother’s public protestation completely lacks both customary validity and legal authority.
The Law of Suspension
At the heart of the matter is a critical administrative reality: Nana Afua Nketia Obuo II is currently under official suspension by the Akuapem Traditional Council a body chaired by the Overlord of Okuapemman himself, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.
According to seasoned traditional authorities, a chief or queen mother under suspension loses their capacity to perform official functions, challenge the paramountcy, or intervene in stool matters. As a fully gazetted sovereign recognized by the Republic of Ghana, the authority of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III to recruit and install capable citizens to serve his traditional area remains absolute and legally unassailable.
An Overstep of Customary Rites
Beyond her current suspension, experts in Akan chieftaincy protocols have pointed out a significant flaw in the Queen Mother’s public narrative regarding nominating powers.
Contrary to popular misconception, under Akuapem custom, the Queen Mother does not hold the power to nominate a candidate for the stool.
That sacred prerogative belongs exclusively to the Abrewatia (the senior matriarch), acting in deep consultation with the Abusuapayin (Family Head).
”The customary role of the Queen Mother is strictly to announce the nominee after the Abrewatia and the Abusuapayin have successfully selected the rightful heir,” a senior palace source explained on condition of anonymity. “She cannot block, veto, or reject a choice that has already been solidified by the family heads.
Doing so is a direct violation of our ancient rites.”
Unwavering Royal Endorsement
While the suspended Queen Mother attempts to stir controversy, the royal families responsible for the lineage of Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo have presented a fiercely united front.
Both her maternal and paternal heads—led by Abusuapayin Asiedu-Ofei (Maternal) and the President of the Akuffo Descendants Fraternity Also Akuapem-Tutuhene Nana Appiah Anti IV (Paternal) have forcefully thrown their weight behind the enstoolment.
In an exclusive joint declaration to this reporter, the heads of the families broke their silence, stating unequivocally:
”Our Odehye, Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo, is of perfectly sound mind, robust physical health, and possesses the exceptional and unrivaled tenacity required to commit to this deservingly honorable title.
As her family, we stand in full, unreserved support of this installation, and we say: let peace reign in Okuapemman.”
A Precedent of Progress
Palace watchers have also raised questions regarding the timing and motivation of the opposition.
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III has historically created and filled several specialized, functional titles aimed at driving developmental and intellectual capital to Akropong. None of those previous installations were ever contested.
To challenge the enstoolment of a figure as globally respected as Justice Sophia Akuffo—who has served as the President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights—is being viewed by many as an attempt to derail the progress of the traditional area.
The Path Forward
As the date for the historic enstoolment approaches, the alignment between the Overlord, the Abusuapayin, and the Abrewatia means the customary process is legally complete.
With the backing of both the state-recognized Akuapem traditional council and the candidate’s bloodline, citizens of Okuapemman are calling for calm, urging the public to disregard the actions of the suspended Queen Mother Nana Afua Nketia Obuo II and allow peace and structural development to reign supreme in Okuapemman.