The Chiefs of Adoagyiri Zongo in the Eastern Region have reiterated their loyalty to Okyeman and the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin.
Chief Bashiru Salifu Mamman Taylor, the Chief of Adoagyiri Zongo, made this declaration during a visit with the Zongo Chiefs to the Ofori Panin Fie at Kyebi.
He mentioned that his great grandfather, who assumed the role of Zongo chief in 1915, served under the then Adoagyiri Chief Barima Adu Korkor II and attended meetings at the Ofori Panin fie.
Chief Bashiru Salifu Mamman Taylor emphasized that the Zongo community has refrained from engaging in the debates regarding whether Adoagyiri is part of Kotokuman or Okyeman for a specific reason.
He highlighted that as devout Muslims who value honesty, it is crucial for them to acknowledge which traditional council welcomed them to settle in Adoagyiri.
The relationship between the Zongo chiefs and the Ofori Panin Fie has been longstanding, predating the current generation, according to Chief Bashiru Salifu Mamman Taylor. He affirmed that the Zongo chiefs consistently interacted with Barimah Adu Korkor II, who pledged allegiance to the Ofori Panin Fie.
Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin stressed that the Ofori Panin Fie maintains detailed records of all transactions and dealings related to Okyeman, underlining the documentation’s importance.
He showcased a file containing correspondence between Nana Sir Ofori Atta and the Adoagyiri Zongo chiefs, commending them for their truthfulness regarding the land’s rightful owner in Adoagyiri.
Expressing disappointment in the handling of the Adoagyiri conflict by the Nsawam Police, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin raised concerns about the loss of innocent lives due to the dispute. He questioned the Inspector General of Police’s failure to request proof of ownership from the parties involved in the chieftaincy conflict.
The Okyehene stressed that the Police Commander at Nsawam lacks the authority to determine the Overlord of Adoagyiri, firmly asserting Adoagyiri’s allegiance to Okyeman and the community’s unwillingness to concede any part of Adoagyiri to external parties.
He indicated that Adoagyiri follows the customary practices of Okyeman and will continue to do so, hinting at potential legal action to establish ownership rights over Adoagyiri.
