Ojuapeman suspends Odwira durbar

Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, Aburihene, has disclosed that the chiefs of the various divisions in Akuapem (Benkum, Nifa, Gyaase and Adonten) have resolved to abolish the usual pageantry associated with the celebration of Odwira.

He indicated that the action is part of many other decisions by the elders intended to mourn the demise of the Okuapemanhene, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, which occurred a couple of weeks ago.

Otoobour Djan Kwasi, who is the Adontenhene of Akuapem and acting President of the Akuapem Traditional Council, made the disclosure at the Aburiman Adae Kese celebration at Nsakye, their ancestral home last Wednesday.

The celebration of Adae Kese in Akuapem is preceded by a ban on drumming and noise making and performance of funerals over a six-week period, which is popularly referred to as ‘adae butuw’.

Otoobour Djan Kwasi further mentioned, however, that traditional rites associated with the celebration of the odwira festival will be observed in all the divisions to the neglect of holding of durbars and sitting in palanquins by the chiefs in procession.

He also mentioned that the ban on noise making will be lifted on October 16, 2015, after which Odwira festival will commence from November 16 -26, 2015.

The Aburihene was also quick to hint that a further ban on noise making, performance of funerals and drumming will be imposed throughout the communities of Akuapem from December 12, 2015 to January 26, 2017 which will later be followed by the burial and funeral of Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa.

Otoobour Djan Kwasi appealed to the people of Akuapem to present themselves in mourning clothes during the period, adding that it is very important for the youth to exercise restraint and learn the traditions of Akuapem on funeral performance of great chiefs.

In a related development, the chief of Brekusu, Nana Oteng Korankye, pledged his allegiance to the Adontenhene of Akuapem, Otoobour Djan Kwasi II.