Family heads of the Hiowe Gblaka Stool have publicly rejected the recent enstoolment of Tetteh Olovi as Hiowe Gblaka Mantse, describing the process as illegal and inconsistent with Dangme and Shai customary traditions in the Greater Accra Region.

Addressing a press conference in Dodowa on Thursday, the family heads stated that they received information on April 28, 2026, that Matthew Narkertey Kwesi Dogbe Pakro, Alfred Azuma and other members of the Olovi sub-family of the Makpimnya family had purportedly enstooled Tetteh Olovi without the required authority.

According to the family, Matthew Narkertey, a former family secretary, together with others including Emmanuel Narh Asumah, Asafoatse Miihuubida IV of Hiowe Gblaka Makpimnya, and Asafoatse Akorkora Gbengor IV of Gbetesi Hiowe Gblaka, had previously been suspended indefinitely by the late King Nene Lanimo Okle-Borseh VIII.

The family further disclosed that the passing of the late king has not yet been officially announced publicly in accordance with Dangme custom because certain traditional rites remain incomplete.

The family heads stressed that under Dangme customary law, the authority to elect, appoint, and enstool kings, chiefs, queens, asafoatsemei, mankralomei, and gyasemei rests solely with the recognized family heads.

They explained that the Hiowe Gblaka Stool comprises seven sub-families — Makpimnya, Piem, Kutuwe, Obom-Mahe, Wedokum, Gbetesi, and Apese (Draweh) — and maintained that the majority of the recognized family heads were not involved in the purported enstoolment.

The statement also referenced a High Court judgement, Suit No. NHC.2/GAR/93, which the family said excludes Apetechi from Hiowe, questioning the involvement of individuals from Apetechi Sordji in matters concerning the Hiowe Divisional Council.

“We the family heads of the Hiowe Gblaka Family/Stool have distanced ourselves from the illegality committed by these disgruntled persons,” the statement said, insisting that the individuals involved lacked the customary authority to appoint or enstool traditional leaders.

The family announced that they have instead approved Nene Lanimo Okle Borseh Aferdi Katamanso Yilagbeye IX as the rightful occupant of the stool.

They also disclosed plans to replace Asafoatse Miihuubida IV, whom they accused of acting against the interests of the stool since his suspension in 2018.

Additionally, the family alleged that Matthew Narkertey and others assaulted the late king, an act they described as a serious abomination under custom.

They noted that the matter is currently before the Magistrate Court in Dodowa.

The family heads further warned the purported Hiowe Divisional Council against any attempt to seek official approval or gazetting of the disputed enstoolment through the Shai Traditional Council.