Principal members and kingmakers of the Anona Royal Family of Odukpong Ofaakor-Kasoa have commenced legal action against Michael Larbie, who is alleged to be styling himself as Nai Atopi and described by the family as the deposed head of family.
The suit, filed at the High Court in Kasoa, also names the Kasoa Zongo Chief, Alhaji Sani, and seven other defendants.
The royal family is seeking orders restraining the defendants from taking any steps concerning the corpse, funeral and burial of the late Nai Odukpong Awushie Tetteh II, who recently passed away.
According to the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim, the principal members of the Anona Royal Family contend that Mr Larbie is not a member of the family and therefore has no authority to assume responsibility for the remains, funeral arrangements or burial of the late traditional ruler.
The family is challenging what it considers an attempt by Mr Larbie to arrogate to himself customary powers that, according to them, he does not legally or traditionally possess.
In a separate case before the Judicial Committee of the Awutu Traditional Council, the royal family has also sought an injunction against Michael Larbie and Alhaji Sani.
The family is seeking orders restraining the two men from holding themselves out as chiefs or participating in customary activities at the Ofaakor Chief’s Palace or any sacred area within Ofaakor.
The application also seeks to prevent the defendants from dealing with stool properties, including land, in the capacity of chiefs.
The legal actions come amid growing controversy surrounding the succession to the Ofaakor Stool following the death of Nai Odukpong Awushie Tetteh II.
The death of the traditional ruler was recently announced, with two persons reportedly arrested over allegations that they concealed his death.
Following the announcement, reports emerged that Michael Larbie, an alleged landguard had been installed as the customary successor and custodian of the Ofaakor Stool.
However, the latest legal actions by the Anona Royal Family challenge that claim and seek to restrain Mr Larbie and others from exercising or presenting themselves as having customary authority over the Ofaakor Stool.
The suits have consequently brought the succession dispute and the handling of the late traditional ruler’s funeral under judicial scrutiny, with the royal family insisting that the appropriate customary and legal processes must be followed.
