BY Issah Olegor
For the first time in over a decade, the head of the Kade Aduana royal family, Abusuapanyin Nana Asare, has spoken publicly on the dramatic abdication of Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II, the embattled chief of Kade in the Eastern Region.
His remarks, delivered days after Osabarima announced his abdication on October 22, 2025, shed new light on one of the longest-running chieftaincy disputes — one that has divided families, fueled litigation, and shaken confidence in traditional authority in Kade.
“He Was Removed Long Ago” – Abusuapanyin Asare Clarifies
According to Abusuapanyin Asare, the recent abdication was merely a formality.
He revealed that Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II had been stripped of his legitimacy as chief as far back as 2013, following a protracted internal conflict within the Aduana royal family and the Kade Traditional Council.
“Osabarima was formally removed from the stool after unresolved disputes made it impossible for him to continue as the rightful occupant,” Nana Asare explained.
“He was no longer recognized by traditional authorities, even though he continued to parade himself as chief.”
The Abusuapanyin expressed concern that Osabarima’s continued use of the Kadehene title over the years had created “unnecessary confusion” within the community and emboldened divisions among his supporters and detractors.
He, however, urged the people of Kade to see the abdication as an opportunity to restore unity, calm, and order. “This is not the time for bitterness,” he said.
“We must now rally behind the traditional structures to rebuild peace and ensure truth prevails in our chieftaincy affairs.”
Two Decades of Triumph And Turmoil
Installed in 2004 under the stool name Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II, the former chief — known in private life as William Kwame Apaw — ruled for 21 years, overseeing major development projects including borehole installations, school renovations, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Yet, his reign was also overshadowed by a long and bruising chieftaincy conflict that wound its way through Ghana’s judicial system for more than a decade.
The central dispute centered on his legitimacy as Kadehene, with rival factions claiming he was not properly nominated and enstooled according to Aduana lineage customs.
Legal Showdowns
The dispute reached its peak in December 2022, when the National House of Chiefs formally removed Osabarima’s name from the National Register of Chiefs and replaced it with that of Asaretwe II, another claimant to the Kade stool.
That decision ignited a fierce legal response. Represented by his counsel, Captain (Rtd.) Nkrabeah Effah Dartey, Osabarima filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution, challenging the process as unfair and unlawful
In a subsequent ruling, the Kumasi High Court sided with Osabarima, describing the National House of Chiefs’ decision as “procedurally improper, unfair, unreasonable, and in breach of natural justice.”
The court ordered that Asaretwe II’s name be expunged from the register and restrained the House of Chiefs from recognizing him as Kadehene.
The matter later reached the Supreme Court, which, in early 2024, affirmed Osabarima’s legitimacy — at least temporarily — emphasizing that any attempt to install another chief would constitute contempt of court.
A Plea for Peace Before Stepping Down
Even with the legal victories, tensions simmered in Kade.
In January 2024, Osabarima Tenadu II called a press conference, appealing to all factions to avoid violence.
“I do not want bloodshed in Kade,” he declared. “Let us resolve this matter through lawful and peaceful means.”
Despite his efforts, reconciliation proved elusive. Deep mistrust persisted between rival family lines, elders, and youth groups — leading to a community torn between loyalty and legality.
Abdication And Emotional Farewell
When Osabarima Tenadu II finally announced his abdication on October 22, 2025, emotions ran high. Witnesses at the Kade Palace described scenes of sorrow and disbelief as residents wept and pleaded with him to reconsider.
In his farewell statement, he emphasized that his decision was driven not by defeat, but by a desire to protect peace and unity in Kade.
“My decision is not out of weakness,” he said. “It is out of love for my people and the need to preserve the peace and progress we have built.”
He expressed gratitude to the Aduana royal family for their support and urged all sides to put Kade’s interest above personal ambition.
The Aduana family elders are expected to meet in the coming weeks to deliberate on the process of selecting and enstooling a new chief in line with traditional norms and state recognition protocols.
For now, the people of Kade are left reflecting on a reign that brought both progress and pain — and hoping that, after years of turmoil, a new era of peace and stability will finally dawn on their community.
