The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has disclosed that he has no intention of coercing any traditional ruler to kowtow to him.

Speaking at the first Council Meeting in the Ashanti Region, the Asantehene stated that his intention is to give a facelift to those willing to develop the traditional areas under him.

“The reason why the government created the new regions, especially Ahafo and Bono East, is to expand development.

“It doesn’t mean if you are under the Asante Kingdom you have become autonomous, you still serve the Golden Stool (sikadwa),” the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom said.

The Asantehene also stated he has no interest of skewing history but facts are sacrosanct.

“I want to remind those who have probably forgotten history and speaking out of ignorance that we haven’t forced anyone to serve us.

“It is even an honour to serve the Golden Stool. Agyeman Badu was a teacher, he swore before me before ascending the throne as the chief of Dormaa,” he said, adding: “It was my orchestration when Dormaa Kusi was defeated.”

He assured that all the chiefs who are in the Bono and Bono East regions shall be protected.

“I am also a man, but I love peace.”

In 2010, a similar tension ensued between the Asantehene and the chief of Techiman, compelling the then president, the late John Evans Atta Mills, to send a high-powered government delegation to engage Otumfuo and quell a possible escalation.

This was after the Tuobodom chief, Nana Asare Baffour, who owes allegiance to the Asantehene, was dragged to Chief of Techiman Nana Akumfi Ameyaw’s palace.