Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has destooled the Queen of Apatrapa, Nana Akyaa Panin, bringing her 24-year reign to an end after revelations that she is not of royal lineage.

The decision was taken after it emerged that Nana Akyaa Panin does not belong to the recognised royal family of Apatrapa, a key requirement under Asante custom for anyone eligible to occupy a traditional stool.

Her lack of royal ancestry rendered her ineligible to continue serving as queen.

As the custodian of Asante traditions and customs, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II acted to uphold the sanctity of the chieftaincy institution, where lineage and legitimacy are central to leadership and succession.

With the destoolment, Nana Akyaa Panin has been stripped of her title and all privileges associated with the Apatrapa queenship, and the stool has effectively been declared vacant, paving the way for the selection of a qualified royal candidate in accordance with tradition.