The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has recommended that the rival claimant to the Bawku skin, Mr. Seidu Abagre, may remain in Bawku as a citizen but not as a chief.
The Asantehene also recommended that the rival Chief may also be recalled to Nalerigu and reassigned a different traditional role at the Nayiri’s palace.
The recommendation forms part of the Asantehene’s Report on the Bawku conflict, presented to President John Dramani Mahama on December 16, 2025.
The report serves as a formal mediation roadmap aimed at resolving the long-standing chieftaincy and ethnic conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups in the Upper East Region.
According to the report, the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga — the King and Overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom and traditional kingmaker for the Bawku skin — should formally recognise Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the rightful Bawku Naba.
Presenting the report, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated that Ghana’s laws and judicial pronouncements are clear on who holds the Bawku skin.
“I have taken the position that the established tradition since 1931 thereabout is that the person who is Bawku Naba heads the entire Kusasi area by law and the declaration of the Supreme Court of Ghana,” he said.
“Asigri Abugrago Azoka is the Bawku Naba and there cannot be any rival residing in Bawku claiming otherwise,” the Asantehene stated.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he had directly appealed to the Nayiri to accept the legal position in the interest of peace.
“In appreciation of the enduring brotherhood that has existed between our two kingdoms in order to ensure lasting peace,” he said, calling on the Mamprugu overlord to recognise the ruling supported by law.
“I have been candid with my brother the Nayiri that the purported enskinment of Mr. Seidu Abagre as Bawku Naba cannot stand,” he said.
The Asantehene disclosed that out of respect for the Nayiri, he had previously restrained successive governments from arresting Mr. Seidu Abagre, despite the legal implications of his actions.
“The final resolution of the Bawku matters requires that Mr. Seidu Abagre be recalled to Nalerigu by the Nayiri to be reassigned to play another traditional role at the palace of the Nayiri assisted by the state,” he stated.
“Alternatively, he may choose to stay in Bawku as an ordinary citizen of the community but not to pose as Bawku Naba.”
“Mr. President, I recommend that my brother the Nayiri accepts the laws as present constituting Asigri Abugrago Azoka as the Chief of Bawku and head Chief of Kusase traditional area,” he said.
