The chiefs and residents of Kade in the Eastern Region have raised alarm over what they describe as unlawful interference by some police commanders in the town's long-standing chieftaincy dispute.

They have issued a strong warning to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the National Security apparatus, urging them to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.

The chiefs’ concerns stem from credible reports that certain police commanders in the region have supported an individual they refer to as an “intruder” in the chieftaincy matter.

The alleged support involves the provision of police protection to the individual, despite a High Court ruling and injunction currently in place that recognizes Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II as the legitimate Kadehene.

“There are certain things happening in Kade for which, if care is not taken, calamity may occur. We already have a chief in Kade. But we have heard that they are bringing another individual on Tuesday, May 5, 2025, a person who is unknown to us. We already have a chief in the person of Agyare Tenadu II. So, we would like to send a message to National Security and the IGP that some commanders have been induced to bring the intruder into the town,” warned Nana Kwaku Obiri, the Adehyehene of Kade.

The chiefs, alongside the residents, have expressed their readiness to resist any attempts to impose a new chief through what they see as unlawful means. They are particularly concerned about the possible violence that could erupt if the interference by the police continues.

“We are ready for Tuesday, but we are urging the government and the IGP to call the Kade District Commander and the Division Commander to order. We are not women here in Kade. However, we do not want a replication of Bawku in Kade. But if the IGP and National Security fail on Tuesday, Kade will be worse than Bawku on Tuesday; we are very ready for them,” Nana Kwaku Obiri warned.

The legal battle over the Kade chieftaincy, which has lasted for several years, took a significant turn in 2023 when Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II sought judicial intervention to affirm his position as the legitimate chief. On October 31, 2023, the High Court in Kumasi ruled in favor of Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II, granting an order of certiorari to prevent the gazetting of Twum Barima Otibu Asare as the new Kadehene. The ruling effectively recognized Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II as the rightful chief and barred his rival from assuming the position.

“I am the valid sitting legal chief of Kade,” Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II reaffirmed during a media briefing at his palace in Kade on January 18, 2024. He reiterated his commitment to peace and urged the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to enforce the court’s ruling to prevent bloodshed.

Despite the court ruling, the rival faction, led by Twum Barima Otibu Asare, has continued to challenge Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II’s legitimacy. This ongoing tension has raised fears of potential violence, prompting Osabarima Agyare Tenadu II to inform national authorities, including the IGP, Chief Justice, Attorney General, and Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs, about the escalating situation.

With the conflict still unresolved, the chiefs and residents of Kade are calling for decisive action to stop the police from further interference. They are urging the IGP and National Security to ensure that the court's ruling is respected and that no additional attempts to impose an illegitimate chief will be allowed.