Watch Your Words: Asantehene Cautions Cletus Avoka Over Bawku Conflict
In a significant appeal for restraint, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has publicly advised former Zebilla Member of Parliament, Cletus Avoka, to be mindful of his public statements regarding the Bawku conflict, warning that such remarks could endanger the fragile peace process.
The caution was delivered on Tuesday, December 16, at the Jubilee House, as the Asantehene presented the final Bawku Mediation Report to President John Dramani Mahama.
Measured communication
Speaking at the report’s handover, Otumfuo directly addressed the former legislator, emphasizing the sensitivity of the current situation. “Cletus Avoka has to be very careful in the pronouncements he makes publicly. It is not right; this is a dicey situation, and we are all trying to make amends and get people to move as brothers and sisters. It seems he is making various pronouncements which would not support the peace that we want,” the Asantehene stated.
He further clarified that while the legal standing of the Bawku Naba is recognized, public discourse must foster reconciliation, not inflame tensions.
“The Bawku Naba is the Bawku Naba; the law is on his side, and we agree to that, but you do not make pronouncements on the mediation that will incense the other side. What we have reached is more like reconciliation,” Otumfuo added.
Report binds parties
The Asantehene stressed that the submitted report was the product of a mediation process, not an arbitration. He explained that his role was not to assign blame but to present facts that should unite all factions involved in the decades-long chieftaincy and land dispute.
“I’m here to present the facts as they are so we can have peace. I’m not here to give a judgment as to who was right or wrong. The report should bind all of us,” he told the gathering at the Jubilee House.
