The Kingmakers of the Osu Stool, under the banner of the Osu Kinkawe Dzaase, have issued a strong press statement on December 10, 2025, vehemently rejecting the recent activities of the Nungua Gborbu Priest on Osu traditional matters, labeling them as a “scam” and “without merit and not tradition.”
The statement, signed by Nii Osiahene IV, emphatically asserts Osu’s status as a distinct paramountcy with complete traditional autonomy, stating, “Osu is a paramountcy and autonomous state, and an authority on its own, with its traditional leadership and management.”
Contested Rites and Black Stool Succession
The Kingmakers highlighted that the traditional system used to enstool Notsɛ Nii Nortey Owuo IV, by the majority of the Osu Kinkawe Dzaase, is the sole recognized authority. They noted that this established system enabled the Osiahene to sit the male royal heir on the ancient black stool, Sei Kwame, the symbol of Osu authority.
They accused “disgruntled persons” of launching legal challenges at the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, causing unnecessary delays to Osu’s progress.
Rejection of Subjugation Claims
Addressing the Gborbu Priest’s alleged involvement, the Kingmakers categorically denied any historical or traditional basis for Nungua’s intervention.
“We have not been colonized in anyway, and have not fought any war with Nungua Gborbu priest in anyway, for us to be conquered by him or his cohorts,” the statement read, adding that Osu was led to its current location by its own spiritual leaders from “Osu Wem” and has since been independent.
Disputed Videos and Calls for Evidence
Nii Osiahene IV took the opportunity to apologize to the Osu citizenry regarding circulating video tapes, which he claims were “maliciously cut, joined or ducted” and being used by unscrupulous characters from the Gborbu shrine to authenticate a “fictitious act.”
He challenged the Gborbu Priest to provide “imperial evidence” demonstrating any form of authority, relationship, or traditional rites that the Gborbu shrine must perform on an enstooled Osu Mantse. The statement specifically questions the need for Gborbu to perform kple rites for a nadumɛ (sacred) person occupying the black stool.
Legal Action and Call to Order
The Kingmakers strongly criticized the current Gborbu Priest, accusing him of creating and fueling unnecessary factionalism in Osu, and bringing “public ridicule” upon himself through his conflicting statements regarding whether he enstools or merely blesses the Osu Mantse.
The Osu Kinkawe Dzaase also rejected the claim that the Gborbu shrine owns the Klottey Lagoon, asserting that the Osu Klottey Lagoon rites have always been performed solely by the Osu Klottey Nadu Wulomo under the approval of the Osu Mantse and Mankralo of Osu.
Concluding with a firm resolve, the Kingmakers called on the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs to intervene and call the Gborbu Priest and his associates to order, especially in light of their alleged disregard for the House’s rulings. They pledged to pursue a contempt case against those acting disrespectfully against the law and justice.
“Osu does not owe the Nungua Gborbu shrine any traditional rites to be performed on any enstooled Osu Mantse… We have no such relationship with Nungua Gborbu shrine and has no plan to have it now or in the future,” the statement concluded. “They will soon meet us in court.”
