Some Divisional Chiefs of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council (ENTC) have petitioned the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to intervene urgently to prevent an impending chieftaincy conflict in the area.

The chiefs say tension has been mounting following the alleged irregular enstoolment of one Egya Ackah, who is parading himself as the Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area under the stool name Awulae Blay.

According to them, the move is illegitimate and threatens to destabilise the area if security agencies fail to act swiftly to restrain him from presenting himself as Omanhene.

Speaking at a press briefing in Takoradi, Nana Kwamena Bentum II, Divisional Chief of Salma, said the situation had become volatile after the self-styled chief — known in private life as Berenger Flaton — announced plans to celebrate the Kundum Festival on November 2, 2025.

He warned that any attempt by the impostor to perform traditional duties could spark violent confrontations in the community, stressing that Awulae Amihere Kpanyile remains the gazetted and legitimate Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.

“We want to make it clear that Awulae Amihere Kpanyile remains the President of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, and nothing can change that,” Nana Bentum declared.

According to him, a small faction of fewer than five chiefs — including the Paramount Queenmother, Avo Nyimah III, and Frank Kwasi, head of the Ndweafo Royal Family — had conspired to enstool Awulae Kpanyile’s nephew as a rival Omanhene under false claims of having “traditionally destooled” the sitting chief.

He described the act as “a travesty of justice,” pointing out that a destoolment petition filed by the same individuals at the Western Regional House of Chiefs (WRHC) was still pending when they proceeded to install another chief.

The case, chaired by Awulae Hima Dekyi, Omanhene of Upper Dixcove, and Okuamoah Tetretteh Seyim of Wassa Akropong, had not yet been concluded when the petitioners — through their lawyers — filed a Notice of Discontinuance, withdrawing the case “with liberty to reapply.”

“Given the pending nature of the case, it was improper and unlawful for them to enstool another person,” Nana Bentum emphasised.

He also accused the police of double standards, questioning why the same security officers who once evacuated Awulae Kpanyile from his Atuabo Palace for safety after a foiled assassination attempt last year were now providing protection for a rival claimant occupying the same palace.

“It is baffling that the same police who secured the palace to protect life and property are now providing protection for an impostor,” he remarked.

The chiefs have called on REGSEC, the National Security Council, and the Western Regional House of Chiefs to act immediately to restore calm and safeguard the sanctity of the Eastern Nzema stool.

They also urged the police to ensure the safe return of Awulae Amihere Kpanyile to his rightful seat, insisting that with the withdrawal of the destoolment petition, “the Omanhene has no case to answer.”

Nana Bentum commended Awulae Kpanyile for his patience and composure throughout the dispute, describing him as a “true leader who has maintained his dignity in the face of provocation.”

“Chieftaincy issues can easily escalate into violence if not handled properly.

We call on the security agencies to act now before it’s too late,” he cautioned.

The divisional chiefs reaffirmed their loyalty to Awulae Amihere Kpanyile and vowed to defend the legitimacy and integrity of the Eastern Nzema stool.