Kadehene Osabarima Agyare Tenadu abdicates stool over prolonged legal disputes
24th October 2025
After more than two decades of rulership marked by both community progress and prolonged legal disputes, the Chief of Kade in the Eastern Region, Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II, has abdicated his stool, bringing an emotional close to one of the most contentious chieftaincy reigns.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Kade Palace, sent shockwaves through the town as residents broke down in tears, pleading with their revered leader to reconsider.
The chief, known in private life as William Kwame Apaw, handed over his formal abdication letter to his elders, citing the need for unity, peace, and development in Kade and across the broader Okyeman Traditional Area.
A Reign of Progress and Controversy
Installed in 2004, Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II’s 21-year reign was defined by community development, infrastructural improvement, and strong advocacy for education and youth empowerment.
Under his leadership, several boreholes, school renovations, and health initiatives were introduced to improve the lives of his subjects.
However, his tenure was equally marked by deep-seated chieftaincy disputes that tested both his resilience and the town’s stability.
The conflict primarily revolved around challenges to his legitimacy as Kadehene, resulting in years of litigation that reached the Supreme Court.
Legal Battle Over the Kade Stool
In December 2022, the National House of Chiefs controversially entered the name of Asaretwe II into the National Register of Chiefs as the recognized Kadehene, effectively removing Osabarima Tenadu II from the register.
The move sparked legal resistance from the Kadehene, who immediately filed a Notice of Appeal at the Supreme Court and a Motion for Stay of Execution to suspend the decision.
A subsequent High Court ruling in Kumasi later sided with Osabarima Tenadu II, describing the National House of Chiefs’ decision as “procedurally improper, unfair, unreasonable, and in breach of natural justice.”
The court also issued an injunction restraining the National House of Chiefs and its agents from recognizing Asaretwe II as the legitimate chief.
In early 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed Osabarima Tenadu II’s position as the lawful Kadehene, with his legal counsel, Captain (Rtd.) Nkrabeah Effah Dartey, emphasizing that any attempt to install another chief would amount to contempt of court.
“I Do Not Want Bloodshed in Kade”
Despite the legal victories, tensions in Kade remained high.
In January 2024, Osabarima Tenadu II publicly appealed for calm during a press conference, warning factions within the town to desist from actions that could spark violence.
“I am the valid sitting chief of Kade, and I do not want a single drop of blood to be shed over chieftaincy,” he said, calling on the Regional Security Council, the Attorney General, and the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to intervene and uphold the rule of law.
Abdication Sparks Emotional Farewell
On the day of his abdication, eyewitnesses described a highly emotional scene at the palace.
Elders, youth, and women wailed uncontrollably as the chief announced his decision to step aside. Some subjects reportedly attempted to block his exit, underscoring the affection and loyalty many still hold for him despite years of legal turbulence.
In his farewell statement, Osabarima Tenadu thanked the Aduana royal family for their unwavering support and urged unity among all factions in Kade.
“My decision is not out of weakness or defeat,” he stated, “but a call to preserve the peace and progress of our land.”
What Lies Ahead for Kade
His abdication has now opened a new chapter in the long-running Kade chieftaincy saga.
The Aduana family is expected to convene in the coming weeks to determine the traditional and procedural steps toward enstooling a new chief.