A Sunyani High Court has issued a restraining order against the Paramount Chief of Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Nana Agyeman Badu, preventing him from attending the burial rites of the late Paramount Chief of Berekum Traditional Area, Daasebre Dr Amankona Diawuo II.

The order came in response to a legal action initiated by Osabarima Kyere Yeboah Darteh II of the Berekum Traditional Council.

The court’s decision was prompted by concerns over potential disruption of peace in the region, particularly due to plans for both the Dormaahene and the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II, to attend the event simultaneously. This clash in attendance schedules raised fears of unrest, leading to the Berekum Traditional Council seeking legal intervention.

Funeral rite

The Berekum Traditional Council had advertised a programme indicating the participation of the Dormahene, the President, Members of the Bono Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, and other notable figures in the burial scheduled for Wednesday, November 22.

This arrangement was intended to pave the way for the Asantehene’s attendance on Thursday, November 23.

Traditionally, the Asantehene is expected to be the final attendee at the burial of a Berekumhene, given his jurisdiction and right to enstool a new chief following the burial. However, the Dormaahene, despite initially planning to attend earlier, allegedly expressed an intention to coincide with the Asantehene’s presence.

To prevent potential chaos resulting from the simultaneous attendance of the two traditional leaders, the Berekum Traditional Council sought legal recourse.

The court’s injunction not only restrains the Dormahene but also calls on the Ghana Police Service to assist in enforcing the order, ensuring peace in Berekum and the surrounding vicinity during the funeral proceedings..