Otumfuo Seals Bawku Peace; Affirms Bawku Naba’s Legitimacy, Rival Chief Should Be Reassigned by Nayiri

In a significant step toward resolving the protracted and violent chieftaincy conflict in Bawku, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has recommended that Seidu Abagre, who was enskinned by the Mamprusi side as a rival chief to the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, be recalled to Nalerigu by the Overlord of Mamprugu, the Nayiri.

He suggested the Nayiri reassign him to a different traditional role at the Palace in Nalerigu. The proposal indicates this reassignment should be “assisted by the State.”

However, if Seidu Abagre chooses to stay in Bawku, “then he will have to stay there as a private citizen and not as a chief.”

This was contained in the Asantehene’s mediation report on the Bawku chieftaincy dispute, presented to President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday.

Legal position
Delivering the committee’s findings, the Asantehene declared that the legal position on the Bawku skin is settled and must be accepted by all parties.

He affirmed Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the legitimate Bawku Naba, recognized by PNDC Law 75, the 1992 Constitution, and subsequent Supreme Court rulings as the head chief of the Kusasi traditional area. “Attempts to challenge this position have been conclusively closed by the courts,” Otumfuo stated, noting that while he acknowledges the historical ties of the Mamprugu Kingdom to lands in the area, current legal realities make contrary claims untenable.

Central to the report’s recommendations is a direct appeal to the Overlord of Mamprugu, the Nayiri. Otumfuo revealed he held talks with both the Bawku Naba and the Nayiri, resulting in difficult but necessary concessions.

Difficulty
“The Nayiri conceding was difficult, but guided by ancestral wisdom, respect, and a commitment to peace, the Nayiri chose conciliation not out of weakness, but strength,” Otumfuo said.

He elaborated on his discussions with the Nayiri, emphasizing pragmatism. “I have impressed upon my brother the Nayiri, that current realities make it more pragmatic that we accept Kusasi rule over the area. It will be untenable for anyone to hold that Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is not the Bawku Naaba and exercises jurisdiction over the entire Kusasi area.”

Striking a note of cautious optimism, the Asantehene disclosed that significant reconciliation has already been achieved between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities in towns affected by the dispute.

Next phase
The mediation process now moves to a critical implementation phase, involving collaboration with the National Peace Council and other bodies.

Binding
Otumfuo stressed that the report’s outcomes should be binding on all parties, describing the effort as “a fact-finding effort aimed solely at restoring lasting peace, not assigning blame.”

Constitution
In a powerful conclusion that underscored the supremacy of national law over traditional authority, the Asantehene anchored his final recommendation squarely on the Constitution. “We chiefs, no matter how exalted, do not live above the constitution of Ghana and the laws duly enacted and affirmed by the courts,” he stated.

His ultimate advice to the government was clear: “The final recommendation, Mr. President, I recommend that my brother, the Nayiri, accept the laws as presently constituted… Accordingly, the laws which recognised Asigri Abugrago Azoka II must be enforced by the government of the Republic of Ghana until changed in accordance with the 1992 constitution or reviewed by the Supreme Court of Ghana.”