Tensions mount in Bolgatanga as aggrieved royal family declares intention to contest a ruling on the protracted chieftaincy issue by the Judicial Committee of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs.
The two royal gates, including the Abilba and Nyaaba's gates, were locked in prolonged litigations over the succession of the paramountcy of Bolgatanga Traditional Council for more than three years after the demise of the late Naba Martin Adongo Abilba.
The Judicial Committee of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, which had been directed to hear the case by the Supreme court, on Tuesday October 25, gave a ruling on the case in favour of one of the royal gates, Naba Raymond Alafia Abilba, sparking uproarious comments from the loser's gate.
In a news conference in Bolgatanga of the Upper East Region, Bertrand Asamannaba, the spokesperson of Naba Joseph Akpakri Nyaaba, whose chieftaincy title is known as Naba Abeka Nonge-Buuri Maltinga, vowed to contest the ruling at the High court anytime soon.
According to him, the Nyaaba's gate filed a petition at the Judicial Committee of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs in June 2015 to contest the legitimacy of Naba Abilba, who had been parading himself as the Paramount Chief of Bolgatanga Traditional Council after failing to avail himself before the legitimate skin makers, Nayiri to contest the paramountcy.
As members of the aggrieved royal gate are bitter over the ruling, Mr. Asamannaba said they would pursue legitimate process to register their displeasure, devoid of indulging in acts that could stir confusion in the Bolgatanga Municipality and its environs.
"This purported ruling by the Judicial Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs is unlawful, contrived and self-seeking", the spokesperson said, explaining the controversial ruling could incite violence among members of the seven royal clans.
Prior to the ruling, he stressed that their counsel petitioned the High court to bar the Judicial Committee from continuing proceedings on the matter, but it was overlooked.
"The Nayiri(the legitimate skin makers) filed a motion for the Judicial Review at the Bolgatanga High Court challenging the jurisdiction of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs to adjudicate on the matter."
While waiting for their suit to be determined by the High Court in November, this year, Mr. Asamannaba hinted Naba Abeka Nonge-Buuri Maltinga, was still recognised as the legitimate paramount chief of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council and urged the subjects and residents of Bolgatanga to accord him the respect and dignity he deserved.
Source: Francis Dabre Dabang/ email: [email protected]
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