Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Kingmakers and Elders of the Okper Division in the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area of the Eastern Region have formally destooled the Divisional Queen Mother, Ohipeme Dede Yoweh Agor II, citing multiple breaches of customary law and conduct deemed unbecoming of a traditional leader.

In a notice dated December 16, 2025, and issued from the Okper Divisional Palace at Yilo Klo-Somanya, the council announced that the decision followed “extensive deliberation, numerous attempts at private resolution, and a careful study” of the Queen Mother’s conduct over the years.

According to the council, the actions attributed to her amounted to “automatic self-destoolment” under Okper and Yilo customary law.

The grounds for the destoolment include allegations of public indecency, gross disrespect to the divisional chief and elders, failure to perform traditional duties, persistent absence from official meetings, and the circulation of abusive audio messages directed at traditional authorities.

The council further accused her of engaging in public altercations and misconduct that brought the Okper stool into disrepute.

“These actions, taken individually and collectively, violate the sacred principles that guide traditional leadership in Okper,” the statement said, stressing that the dignity of the stool and the authority of the traditional council must be upheld at all times.

By the authority vested in the kingmakers and elders, the council declared that Ohipeme Dede Yoweh Agor II had been relieved of all titles, privileges and responsibilities associated with the Okper Queen Mother position, with immediate effect.

The statement added that the necessary customary rites and rituals for the destoolment of a queen mother had already been performed at the stool house.

She has consequently been directed to cease presenting herself as the Queen Mother of Okper, refrain from exercising any traditional authority connected to the stool, and return all stool regalia, documents and state property in her possession to the Okper Divisional Council without delay.

The decision has been copied to the Registrar of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Council and several divisional chiefs within the traditional area, including the chiefs of Nyewer, Plau, Bunase, Bornya and Ogome, underscoring the gravity of the matter within the wider Krobo traditional governance structure.

At just 26 years old, Ohipeme Dede Yoweh Agor II, privately known as Belinda Ador, ascended to the revered position of Queen Mother of Okper following her installation on 8th November 2021, making her one of the youngest occupants of the stool.

The Okper Division is one of the key divisions under the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, which has its capital at Somanya.

The area is historically significant to the Krobo people, who trace their origins to the Krobo Mountains and are renowned for a strong chieftaincy institution that places emphasis on discipline, communal harmony and respect for custom.

Okper itself comprises several communities and plays an active role in the traditional council, contributing to dispute resolution, cultural preservation and local development advocacy.

Within Krobo society, queen mothers occupy a particularly important position. They are custodians of womanhood, advisers to chiefs, and key figures in matters relating to social welfare, child upbringing, and cultural rites such as puberty ceremonies. As such, expectations of moral conduct, decorum and loyalty to the stool are especially high.

While the destooled queen mother has yet to publicly respond to the allegations, the development has sparked debate within traditional circles about leadership standards, the impact of social media on customary authority, and the balance between personal expression and traditional responsibility.

As the Okper Division prepares for the next steps, including the possible nomination and enstoolment of a new queen mother, traditional leaders say the priority remains restoring the dignity of the stool and reinforcing the values that have long underpinned the Yilo Krobo chieftaincy system.