Otumfuo Removes Chief Linguist For Violating Custom

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has removed Kyeame Kofi Nti from his position as chief linguist, citing breaches of tradition and failures in office.

The action was sanctioned on Monday, April 20, by the Asanteman Council after a hearing at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Council members raised concerns about Kyeame Kofi Nti’s royal credentials and his failure to properly invoke _Otumfuo Ntam Kɛseɛ_ — the Great Oath — a fundamental obligation of the linguist’s stool.

He was further accused of mishandling invocations of the _Ntam Kɛseɛ_, keeping multiple oaths in his possession beyond what Asante custom allows. The Council said he also neglected his duty to duly report invocations of the oath, calling it a grave violation for an occupant of such a high office.

The proceedings also weighed complaints from the Ayaasehene regarding Kyeame Kofi Nti’s alleged role in the wrongful enstoolment of the Ayaase Dikro.

With the ruling, Kyeame Kofi Nti ceases to hold the linguist’s stool with immediate effect.

In Asante tradition, the Kyeame is the principal intermediary between the Asantehene and the public, and the _Ntam Kɛseɛ_ is the most sacred oath, administered only under strict customary rules.

No replacement has yet been named by the Palace.