Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has ordered the Bantamahene, Baffour Asare Owusu Amankwatia VI, to retrieve the stolen Asare Bediako deity within one week and hand it over to the Asanteman Sumankwaahene. The deity, a sacred shrine of the people of Adanwomase in the Kwabre East Municipality, was stolen from its sacred place by a rival faction.
The Bantamahene was initially tasked with recovering the deity, but he claimed that efforts had proven futile. However, the Asantehene discovered that the Bantamahene had neglected his duties and was subsequently found in contempt, penalized to slaughter eight rams.
The Kumasi Traditional Council is reviewing a report on the competing claims of ownership of the Asare Bediako deity and the Adanwomase stool. Three factions have laid claim to the deity, but the committee’s findings established that the legitimate custodians are the descendants of Madam Akua Kyem.
The Asantehene has given the Bantamahene an ultimatum to retrieve the deity before presenting his report on Monday. Failure to comply may result in further consequences.
