Bawku Chieftaincy Conflict Resolution: Otumfuo Advocates Recall of Seidu Abagre to Nalerigu

Accra: The Otumfuo Report on the Bawku conflict mediation has recommended that Mr. Seidu Abagre be recalled by the Nayiri and reassigned to another traditional role at the Nayiri's Palace in Nalerigu. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, emphasized that the enskinment of Mr. Abagre as Bawku Naaba was untenable. According to Ghana News Agency, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his belief that the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, understood the challenges posed by Mr. Abagre's enskinment to achieving lasting peace. The recommendations were made during the presentation of the Bawku Chieftaincy Conflict Mediation Report to President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra. Otumfuo stated that he had advised successive governments against arresting Mr. Abagre out of respect for the Nayiri. He further suggested that Mr. Abagre could choose to remain in Bawku as an ordinary citizen, but not as Bawku Naaba. The Asantehene urged the Nayiri to accept the legal recognition of Zugran Asigri Abugrago Azok a II as the Chief of Bawku and Paramount Chief of the Kusasi Traditional Area. The Asantehene underscored the importance of adhering to the Constitution of Ghana and laws enacted by the courts. He called on the government to enforce the recognition of Zugran Asigri Abugrago Azoka II until any changes are made through appropriate judicial or constitutional processes. Otumfuo highlighted the necessity of applying the law impartially to maintain peace in the Kusasi Traditional Area. He concluded that lasting peace depended on enforcing existing legal positions and affirmed by the Supreme Court ruling that the matter should not be revisited in court. He reiterated that Zugran Asigri Abugrago Azoka II's long-standing membership in the National House of Chiefs and his duly gazetted status should be respected unless altered through recognized processes. Otumfuo mentioned that if further clarification from the Supreme Court was needed, it should be pursued. The Asantehene expressed gratitude to President John Dra mani Mahama, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Nayiri, Bawku Naaba, and other chiefs and community leaders for their roles in the mediation process.