The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has firmly stated that Mr Seidu Abagre cannot legitimately claim or present himself as the Bawku Naaba, as he urged a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy conflict in a mediation report submitted to President John Dramani Mahama.
During the presentation of the report at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Otumfuo emphasized that the purported enskinment of Mr Abagre by the Nayiri, the King of Mamprugu, cannot be sustained under the current legal framework.
“I have been candid with my brother the Nayiri that the purported enskinment of Mr Seidu Abagre as Bawku Naaba cannot stand,” Otumfuo declared.
He stressed that no rival chief can reside in Bawku while claiming the title, given the Supreme Court’s recognition of Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naaba.
“There cannot be any rival residing in Bawku claiming otherwise,” the Asantehene said, adding that Mr Abagre “may alternatively choose to stay in Bawku as an ordinary citizen of the community but not to pose as the Bawku Naaba.”
As part of his recommendations for lasting peace, Otumfuo proposed that the Nayiri recall Mr Abagre to Nalerigu to take up another traditional role.
“The final resolution of the Bawku matters requires that Mr Seidu Abagre be recalled to Nalerugu by the Nayiri to be reassigned to play another traditional role at the Palace of the Nayiri assisted by the State,” he suggested.
Otumfuo revealed that he had intervened to prevent the arrest of Mr Abagre during the mediation process, out of deference to the Nayiri.
“I have from the inception restrained both governments from effecting the arrest of Mr Seidu Abagre out of respect for my brother the Nayiri,” he disclosed.
The Asantehene called on the Nayiri to respect the existing laws that affirm Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the Chief of Bawku and Head of the Bawku Traditional Area.
The mediation effort, commissioned by President Mahama in 2025, follows decades of tension between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups over chieftaincy succession, which has often escalated into violence.
The submission of the report coincides with ongoing security measures, including a renewed curfew in Bawku from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am and a total ban on arms in the municipality.
President Mahama thanked Otumfuo for his impartial and thorough mediation, pledging that the government will carefully review the recommendations to achieve sustainable peace in the area.