Yilo Klo Chiefs accuse Konor of abusing ancestral customs

The Divisional and Sub-Divisional Chiefs of Yilo Klo State have accused the Paramount Chief, Nene Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku II, of violating long-held ancestral customs and traditions.

At a press briefing in Somanya on November 14, the convener, Nene Anyeenorgu Teye Agor IX, joined by several Sub-Divisional Chiefs, outlined a series of concerns they say undermine the spiritual identity and unity of the Yilo Klo State.

The chiefs accused the Konor of abolishing key ancestral rites central to Yilo tradition.

They cited the discontinuation of traditional libation using water, schnapps, and sheep sacrifice.

“First of all, the Konor has abolished the traditional pouring of libation using water and schnapps, as well as the sacrifice of sheep as required by our customs and traditions,” they claimed during the press conference.

They also alleged that the Konor has not celebrated the Yilo Ancestral Stool, known as Okotoblidja, for a decade.

The statement noted: “The Konor for the past ten years has failed to celebrate the Yilo Stool (Okotoblidja)- the sacred stool that forms the backbone of our unity, identity and ancestral blessings.”

Another major concern was the alleged destruction of the “Kuntu,” the sacred altar at the ancestral palace. According to the chiefs, “the Konor has dug up and destroyed the Kuntu at the Palace, a sacred altar built by our ancestors. The Kuntu, which contains six gold bars and other mineral deposits from all six Divisional Chiefs, represents the heart of the Yilo Stool.”

They further accused the Konor of replacing traditional installment rites with practices involving pastors and anointing oil.

The statement said this “blatant violation” weakens their spiritual front and undermines authority.

According to the chiefs, these actions have eroded unity and respect in Yilo State.

“The actions of the Konor amount to gross taboos; our state has become vilified, divided, retrogressive, and disrespected,” they said.

The chiefs present included Noryam Matse Otomfo Nyakotey, Se Tse Lawer Sackey II of Ogome, Asafoatse Bedu Opata Korlley II, Manye Akuye Nkurakan Dorsi and Asafoatse Djatatsui.

The chiefs announced they are distancing themselves from the Konor and boycotting this year’s Kloyosikplemi Festival.

“We disassociate ourselves from Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku II and the ongoing Kloyosikplemi Festival.”