The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, has been nominated to replace the late Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, as the next chairman of the Kings and Sultans of Africa Forum.
The decision was taken at a crisis meeting of the powerful body made up of respected traditional leaders drawn from different parts of the African continent. The meeting was held in Nairobi, Kenya in October this year. A letter of the Asantehene�s elevation was presented to Otumfuo Osei II at a colourful durbar of chiefs and people from different parts of the country to mark the last Akwasidae of the year, which was held at the forecourt of Manhyia Palace on Sunday.
Togbui Amenya Fiti V, Paramount Chief of Aflao and an executive member of the Kings of Sultans of Africa forum, who was accompanied by a high-powered delegation from his traditional area, presented the letter to Otumfuo. The Kings and Sultans of Africa Forum was formed by the late Muammar Gaddafi with the sole goal of pushing for Africa unity, leading to the formation of the United States of Africa. Col. Gaddafi was the first and life chairman of the group.
However, his sudden death created a huge vacuum which needed to be filled immediately to save the forum from demise. The forum has powerful African traditional leaders such as King Monogo of Congo Brazzavile, Queen Best, Uganda, King Chikaya, Congo, King Bagidi, Benin and King Agokoli, Tokoli, just to mention a few. Togbui Amenya Fiti V, in an interview with Daily Guide, disclosed that some members of the Ghana National House of Chiefs were active members which usually meets on 9th September of every year.
Throwing more light on Otumfuo�s elevation to head the powerful group, he said Col. Gaddafi�s death called for the crisis meeting in Kenya, where members unanimously agreed that Otumfuo should lead them. He said the executive members of the goup immediately after reaching the decision, drafted a letter which was given to him to be given to the Asantehene at his palace in Ghana. Now that Otumfuo has taken delivery of the letter, he noted, the Asantehene was expected to convey an emergency meeting early next year, during which they way forward of the body would be outlined.
Asked whether Otumfuo would also serve as a life time leader of the group, Togbui Fiti V said, �This would be discussed at the emergency meeting next year.�
The Paramount Chief for Aflao stated that it was his prayer that the Asante monarch would be made a lifetime chairman of the forum to spearhead it to success.
Source: I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi
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