Gbese Dzase petitions Ga Traditional Council over “illegal” enstoolment

The legitimate Gbese Dzase, the Council of Kingmakers of the Gbese Stool, has petitioned the Ga Traditional Council to nullify the enstoolment of Thomas Okine, who identifies himself as “Nii Ayi Bonte II.”

At a press conference in Accra on September 16, 2025, the kingmakers accused Mr. Okine of unlawfully usurping the Gbese Stool in breach of custom, Supreme Court rulings, and the 1941 Gbese Succession Agreement.

Speaking on behalf of the Dzase, Nii Teiko Akorsoku II, Head of Plensiaku We-Shia Wulu, described the act as a fraudulent attempt to rewrite Gbese tradition.

“The Gbese Stool has never been a seat for personal ambition, but a sacred symbol of unity, continuity, and law. When a man forces himself upon the Stool outside of tradition, outside of the 1941 Agreement, and in defiance of Supreme Court rulings, then we must call it what it is, illegality,” he stated.

Violations cited

The Dzase outlined three main violations that render the enstoolment illegitimate:

Disregard for the 1941 rotational succession system among the three accredited royal houses, Plensiaku We-Shia Wulu, Nii Tetteh Ankama We, and Akote Krobo Saki We.
Defiance of binding Supreme Court rulings affirming the agreement.
Failure to swear the mandatory oath before the seven Gbese royal clans.

According to Nii Akote Krobo Saki IV, Head of Akote Krobo Saki We, the actions of Mr. Okine pose a danger to peace and stability.

“This is not a mere quarrel over titles. This is about the very fabric of Gbese custom. When custom is undermined, when judicial authority is ignored, peace itself is endangered. We cannot allow a fraudulent enstoolment to create confusion and weaken the Ga State,” he warned.

The Dzase further argued that Mr. Okine’s claims to the stool were based on false lineage and that his enstoolment was conducted by a faction without authority. They said his continued occupation amounts to contempt of court and threatens harmony in Gbese.

Call for action

Nuumo Okai Keteku I, Gbese Shippi of Anege We, stressed the urgency of intervention.

“We have petitioned the Ga Traditional Council not because we seek conflict, but because we seek resolution. We demand three things: the suspension of Thomas Okine, the public declaration of his enstoolment as null and void, and the strict enforcement of the 1941 Agreement. Nothing less will restore order and dignity to our Stool,” he said.

The Dzase added that once the Ga Traditional Council takes the necessary action, they are ready to commence the lawful enstoolment of a legitimate Gbese Mantse in line with custom, court rulings, and ancestral tradition.

In their closing appeal, Nii Ashirifi Mettle-Nunoo, Head of Nyan Abodiamo-Kreshie We, urged the public and stakeholders to defend tradition.

“This fight is bigger than Gbese. It is about respect for custom, respect for the rule of law, and respect for generations yet unborn. We call on all stakeholders to stand firm with us in restoring truth and tradition,” he said.

The petition is expected to be deliberated upon by the Ga Traditional Council in Kaneshie in the coming weeks.

By: Bawa Musah

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