Royal Order of Obeng II
Download the Constitution of the Royal Order of Obeng II (3 June 2022)
PREAMBLE
Foundation for the Royal Order of Obeng II
“It pays to build a name, the reward doesn't come quickly but it will come however long it may take and it lasts longer. Integrity, discipline, self-control, and fear of God make a man wealthy, not the size of one’s bank account. Leave a good heritage for your children.” – H.M. Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II
His Majesty Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II, with the help of the Royal House and Royal Order of the Golden Fire Dog, has done great work for the stool lands and its people in a very short period of time. Under the leadership of His Majesty, in 2019 alone, $14,500 (GH: 75,400) was raised and invested in the People of Sefwi Obeng-Mim. The funds created educational opportunities through the construction of a school, and the support of students and teachers, as well as the construction of a water well, and the purchase of a motorcycle for a visiting nurse. In 2020, His Majesty has outlined further development of the stool lands that will continue to grow the educational opportunities of the people, health care, and sanitation. The Royal family and the Subchiefs of Sefwi Obeng Mim, out of gratefulness for the outstanding work the Chief is doing to help humanities and develop the villages, thus honor the youngest Chief of the Sefwi Obeng Mim Stool Land and as an agent of change by establishing this Royal Order.
The international members of this Royal Order are dedicated to the development of the Stool Land under the care of the His Majesty, the Royal House, and Sefwi Obeng-Mim Traditional Council. Acceptance into the Order is based on the assessment of the human values and quality of character of the applicant, without distinction or discrimination based on religious, social class, race, political tendencies, physical disability, or sexual orientation. Advancement in rank is based on merit.
Each Knight or Dame admitted should be aware that he/she is part of a chivalric institution representing the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim, is recognized as noble member under traditional customs of Sefwi Obeng-Mim Traditional Council and the Royal House, and consequently should be prepared to accept and to practice a Chivalric Code of Honor (for example, that of the Royal Order of the Golden Fire Dog). His Majesty, by his own right and prerogative, as well as on recommendation by the Royal House or the Privy Council of the Order, and primarily by the Traditional Council of Sefwi Obeng-Mim, may remove a title of nobility, knighthood, damehood, or any other honors bestowed.
ARTICLE I
Name of the Asafo or Royal Order
The name of the Order is the Royal Order of Obeng II (ROOII). As specified, the Order is a chivalric and international community.
ARTICLE II
The Fount of Honor
The fount of honor is His Majesty Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng ll, of an ancient Akan Kingdom, having been nominated, elected, enstooled by the Elders and Kingmakers of Sefwi Obeng-Mim Traditional Area, and recognized by the National House of Chiefs of the Republic of Ghana.
ARTICLE III
Order Defined
The Royal Order is defined as a noble chivalric international organization. The principal objectives are Charity and the Defense of the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim, the peoples of the Stool Land, and those of its soil in the diaspora. True also to its traditions, the Royal Order upholds the ideals of a free world and the rights of people as defined in the Universal Declaration of the United Nations. The community is made up of individuals who are distinguished by their origin, education, upbringing, capacities, and worthy deeds. While taking an established and indispensable hierarchy into account, the Royal Order adopts the principle of social equality for all its members.
ARTICLE IV
The Motto of the Order
somfo" nnipa, meaning: Serve the people
ARTICLE V
The Seat of the Order
The seat of the Order is the Royal House is Sefwi Obeng-Mim, under the Wiawso Traditional Area, Western North Region of the Republic of Ghana; with Magistral and Administrative Seats as decreed by the Grand Master.
ARTICLE VI
Governance
Section 1: The Grand Master
The Chief of Sefwi Obeng-Mim is the Grand Master, the Head of the Order. When the Chief of Sefwi Obeng-Mim is enstooled and outdoored, he becomes a member of the Order and is enstooled as Grand Master of this Order. He shall serve for life or until he retires.
Section 2: The Privy Council
The Privy Council shall be members of the Royal Order of the Golden Fire Dog’s Grand Magistracy appointed by the Grand Master to advise him when so requested. Ordinarily, the Privy Council is composed of the Nkosuohene, Obahemaa, Adontehen, Nkyiodmhene, and an Asafohene.
ARTICLE VIII
Membership of the Order
Section 1: Admission Protocols
The Royal Order of Obeng II (ROOII) is designed as a dynastic order reflecting the traditional African royal military order or Asafo, differentiating it clearly from European models. The membership of this Order is restricted to the Chief of Sefwi Obeng-Mim and the very few other persons who have honored the Chief and Sefwi Obeng-Mim through their noble acts of love and charity that build up the Traditional Area and its legacy for future generations.
The Grand Master, on recommendation and advisement of the Privy Council, creates an honor list. From the list, candidates will be invited to petition or ask if they will receive the honor (in the cases of Grand Collar to nobles, royals, and heads of states, etc.).
Section 2: Qualifications
Acceptance into the Order is based on the assessment of the human values and quality of character of the applicant, without distinction or discrimination based on religious, social class, race, political tendencies, physical disability, or sexual orientation.
I. The following are among the desired qualifications for membership in the Order:
- To be at least 25 years of age.
- To be a stable person holding dignified and steady employment.
- To be morally and socially well-considered.
- To be practitioners of any learned profession or members of the Armed Forces.
- To be retired persons or veterans of military service.
- To be persons considered socially and professionally as capable, just, honest, compassionate, and courageous.
- To be persons willing and having the economic capacity to pledge; meeting successfully at least the minimum amount of contribution.
II. The following are impediments to attaining membership
- To be employed or follow professions or lifestyles that could be viewed as dishonorable by generally accepted standards.
- These are automatic disqualification criteria for candidates with the intention to use, mislead, or misrepresent: Falsified or faux royal, aristocratic, or nobility titles; Falsified or faux awards, honors, orders, etc.; Falsified or faux academic titles and academic degrees.
Section 3: Honorarium Passage Fees, and Annual Membership Dues
Honorarium Passage Fees are subject to annual revision based upon the recommendation of the Privy Council in accordance with the Constitution of the Royal Order. This suggested fee giving in thanksgiving is used to support the works of the Oheneba Foundation and Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim. In extraordinary cases of need, the fee may be waived at the discretion of the Grand Master. Advancement within The Royal Order is based upon merit and the individual's activities within the Order, not through a monetary donation, contingent only upon the recommendation of the Privy Council.
Knights and Dame of this Royal Order shall make a thanksgiving offering annually (aseda) on the anniversary of the enstoolment of Chief Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II. The minimum suggested donation will be set by the Privy Council and communicated to all members by the Adontehene.
Section 4: The Ranks of the Royal Order
The Chief of Sefwi Obeng-Mim is the Grand Master of the Royal Order and grants the noble dignity of the Order to others found to be of merit by His Majesty and the Royal House. Other than the rank of Grand Master, which only the Chief holds, there are two ranks of membership.
The following, by Letters Patent and Brevet, is granted as a non-hereditary title and honor.
Nobility is conferred upon the grantee under the traditional customs of Sefwi Obeng-Mim.
Onuonyamfo or Grand Knight/Dame, Grand Cross of the Order of Obeng II (KGCO/DGCO) - The Royal Honor of Grand Cross is bestowed on members of the Royal Order of the Golden Fire Dog, as well as grand supporters of the work and mission of the Royal House and the Oheneba Foundation.
Adehye Akofo or Royal Knight/Dame, Grand Collar (GCO) - Royal honor bestowed to other recognized heads and members of royal houses, nobles, and heads of state, as well as a lifetime achievement to a member of the Royal Order of the Golden Fire Dog. A recipient of the Grand Collar is treated like an adopted family member of the Royal House and is a companion of His Majesty.
Section 5: Style, Title, and Address of the Grand Knight or Grand Dame
The title and honor shall be issued by Letters Patent. Rank shall be assigned by a Brevet. These are issued by the Grand Master through the Chancellery of the Royal Orders.
Each member bears the traditional title and honor of Onuonyamfo, which may be translated from Twi as "noble," or "most excellent," and is also used when translating the British knight title of "Sir" into Twi. All members of the ROOII are entitled to the style of “The Most Excellence” with the appropriate postnominals. The Grand Collar is bestowed the additional title and honor of Adehye Akofo, Royal Knight.
The title and honor of Grand Knight or Grand Dame is granted to members of the Order’s Grand Cross. Therefore, the full name, title, and style of a holder of the Grand Cross is “Onuonyamfo or the Most Excellence Grand Knight/Dame First Name Middle Name Second Middle Name [if any] Surname, KGCO”. Or, using the traditional title, “Onuonyamfo First Name Middle Name Second Middle Name [if any] Surname, KGCO”.
The title and honor of Adehye Akofo or Royal Knight or Royal Dame, Adehye Akofo, is granted to members of the Order’s Grand Collar. Therefore, the full name, title, and style of a holder of the Grand Collar is “Onuonyamfo (The Most Excellent Royal Knight/Sir/Dame) First Name Middle Name Second Middle Name [if any] Surname, GCO”. Or using the traditional titles, “Adehye Akofo (Royal Warrior/Knight/Dame) First Name Middle Name Second Middle Name [if any] Surname, GCO”.
If the Letters Patent or Brevet for a particular recipient contains a different style, title, and address than the above, the Letters Patent or Brevet will triumph only for that particular recipient. The Adontehene and the Chancellery may provide guidance on the application of style, title, and address as needed.
There is no courtesy title for the lawful spouse or children of a member of the Order. However, the lawful spouse of a member of the Order is noble for as long as the spouse is married to the member or is the widow/widower of the same. Yet, the children of the member are not noble.
At request, the title may be granted as an “honorary” title and so issued in letters of patent.
Section 6: Degradation
His Majesty, by his own right and prerogative, as well as on recommendation by the Royal House or the Sefwi Oebng-Mim Traditional Council, may remove a knighthood, damehood, or any other honors bestowed.
ARTICLE IX
Renunciation of Title
The title and honor may be renounced by the current Knight or Dame at any time and for any cause. The renunciation must be in writing and witnessed by two individuals not related to the current Knight or Dame. Both witnesses should sign and date the renunciation along with the renouncing Knight or Dame, and the document should be delivered to the Adontehene.
Article X
Heraldic Privileges
By the right and privileges conferred through Letters Patent, the noble Knights and Dames of the ROOII have a Royal Warrant to use particular heraldic devices related to this Order and the Royal House. A heraldry guide will be provided by the Adontehene.
As the custom of other Royal Houses around the world, members shall submit a copy of their arms to the Adontehene, as Chief of Arms, for review if they seek to adopt the particular heraldry devices related to the Royal House or Orders. With approval, the achievement will be registered on the Royal House’s Roll of Arms, which may be published and public.
With the Knight or Dame’s achievement recorded by the Adontehene, they may register their arms with the Heraldry Society of Africa, the International Armorial Registry, or any registries.
AWARDS OF THE ROYAL ORDER OF OBENG II
Knight or Dame of the Banner Award
Awarded to Royal Knights/Dames of dynastic Royal Order of Obeng II
Established 17 April 2021
The Akan warriors are fierce fighters. The warrior that stands beside the Warlord and protects the Royal flag is the Frankaahene/Frankaahemaa (“chief of the flag bearers”). They are the “unshakeable army of the hills.”
Honoring and remembering this Akan tradition, H.M. may bestow a similar dignity and honor as a meritorious award for one’s achievements and service to the Royal House and the people of Sefwi Obeng-Mim.
The award is granted to those in the dynastic Royal Order of Obeng II and bearing the rank of Grand Collar.
The award is composed of an inheritable Title and Honor similar to a British baronet/baronetess, and the Royal Knight or Dame shall name their heir whatsoever.
Each member is entitled to bear in their heraldic achievement an Asafo banner of their own design, per the Royal House’s Heraldry Guide provided by the Chancellery, as well as the Golden Fire Dog in their coats of arms either in canton or an escutcheon at their election.
They may enjoy the post-nominals “Bt./Btss.” followed by “GCO” and other post-nominals of Royal Orders and ranks of this Royal House. They may also use, “1st Baronet/Baronetess [surname] of Obeng II” (for example, 1st Baronet Boyd of Obeng II).
On request of the Royal Knight or Dame, and at the prerogative of H.M., the title and honor may be bestowed to the honoree’s legal spouse which is held for life (non-inheritable).
The Royal Knight or Dame may directly petition H.M. through the Chancellery for their heir whatsoever who are over the age of 21 years to be admitted, after submitting the appropriate passage fee, as a Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Golden Fire Dog. Thereafter, the heir may bear the inherited award as long as they continue to remain active in the work of the Royal Orders. The inherited post-nominal, like British Baronetage, after the original awardee shall be numeric and surname of the original awardee (i.e. 2nd Bt. Boyd of Obeng II).
The Royal Knight or Dame shall register the inheritors in line of succession of the title and honor with the Chancellery. If no successors are named or alive, or refuse the title and honor, the particular title and honor reverts back to the Royal House and becomes extinct, thus no future claimants are possible.
His Majesty, by his own right and prerogative, as well as on recommendation by the Royal House or the Sefwi Obeng-Mim Traditional Council, may remove the title and honor.
Royal Court Names of the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim
Dynastic Honors under Ghana’s Constitutional traditional Chieftaincy of Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II and awarded upon distinguished individuals of the Royal Order of Obeng II dedicated to restoring the Royal Cout Names of the traditional Ghana Chieftaincy institution and enabling it to effectively play its roles in society.
Established 3 June 2023, 7th Year of Oheneba Nana Kwamee Obeng II as Mimhene
These Royal Court Names are Honors that enshrine the principles of the Akan warrior and confer dignity and the honorary hereditary traditional Royal Court Names.
Petition for the Royal Names
The grantees are restricted to the traditional Chief and Sub-Chiefs of the Sefwi Obeng-Mim Stool Land and the very few other persons who have honored the Chief and the traditional Stool Land through their noble acts of love and charity that build up the Stool Land and its legacy for future generations.
The Chief with Fons Honrum grants the dignity and the honorary hereditary Royal Court Names to those found to be of merit by His Royal Highness and the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim.
Ranks of the Honorary Hereditary Royal Names:
Listed in the order of honor and privilege,
Royal Court Names for Knights Obeng II
Abakomahene means “one who cares about poor babies”. This is the highest Royal Court Name.
Aduanaba means “sons of Golden Fire Dog”.
Ayebiafo means “the helper”.
Oseadeeyo means “the man who walks the talk”.
Barima means “strong and in times of war”.
Royal Court Names for Dames Obeng II
Ohemaa means “Most Noble lady or woman”. This is the highest Royal Court Name.
Obaapanin means “Wise woman with a charitable heart”.
Odehyie means “Royal Lady through charity work”.
Sermanhyia means “Lady with unquestionable character”.
Honorific Style
The honorific within the Royal House for the highest Royal Court Names Abakomahene or Ohemaa is “His/ Her Highness” and all other Royal Names are “His/ Her Grace,” followed by the honorary hereditary Royal Court Name, name, the ROOII, ROGFD postnominals.
Note these are Royal Court Names, not noble titles. They are to appear before one's first name. For example, “H.G. Aduanaba Christian D. Boyd, Bt.GCO, GCG.”
Method of Transmission of Hereditary Royal Names
The hereditary Royal Names can only pass to another person in strict accordance with the Guidelines. They cannot be sold, transferred, or otherwise altered. The only method of transmission is bloodline absolute springing solely from the original grantee. That is, the hereditary Royal Names will only pass from a current title holder to the eldest surviving child of the Royal Name holder upon the death of the current Royal Name holder. There can only be one inheritor of the Royal Name at any one time. Written notice of each transmission of the Royal Name shall be made to the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim or an officer appointed by His Royal Highness so that good record-keeping is maintained, and registration occurs of the new holder of the Royal Name. A registration fee is required to record this transmission and issuance of Certificate of Registration if necessary. However, the transmission of the Royal Name will not occur without the registration with the Royal House of the Sefwi Obeng-Mim or an officer appointed by His Royal Highness. If more than 100 years pass after a legitimate transfer of a Royal Name and the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim has not received notification and registered the transmission, the Royal Name will become extinct and revert back to the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim.
The Three Stages of Promotion within the Ranking of the Royal Names
The promotion of a hereditary Royal Court Name from lower rank to higher rank is solely based on the assessment of the merits of the members of the Royal Order of Obeng II. Normally they would be required to go through the following three (3) Stages:
Stage 1: new candidates who are members of the Royal Order of Obeng II can only be awarded the Royal Court Names of Barima for males or Sermanhyia for females.
Stage 2: After being awarded the Royal Court Name in Stage 1 for one or more years, members in good conduct and continued support to the Royal House or the Oheneba Foundation may be considered to promote to the higher Royal Names.
Stage 3: after being admitted to the Royal Name in Stage 2 for two or more years, members in good conduct and continued support to the Royal House or the Oheneba Foundation may be considered to promote to the highest Royal Name of Abakomahene for male or Ohemaa for female.
His Royal Highness Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II shall have the absolute discretion to award the Royal Court Names to any worthy candidates without following the three (3) Stages of the process.
Annual Aseda (ymfa aseda no mma Yehowa)
Each year during the Eluo Festival, a donation offering shall be made in Thanksgiving. Minimum suggested donation will be communicated to awardees of the Royal Court Names through the Chancellor General of the Royal Orders.
Heraldic Privileges
By petition, submission of a fee, and grant of Royal Warrant by H.R.H. Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II issued through the Chief of Arms of the Royal House, may:
• Adorn their shield with the Royal Orders’ badge.
• Display the ribbon of the Royal Orders fastened with a bow from which the badge is suspended.
• The ribbon may encircle the shield either completely or partially.
• Allows the petition for supporters, in accordance with the country of residence or registry authority.
With a Royal Warrant recorded by the Chancellor General of Royal Orders, grantees may register their arms with the Heraldry Society of Africa, the International Armorial Registry, or any registries which allow for the display of decorations and awards in heraldic achievements.
Local usage of the Royal Court Names
His Royal Highness respects the local culture, traditions, customs, laws, and regulations in each of the countries where the grantees are citizens or permanent residents. The Grand Prior of each of these counties is responsible to prepare the “Practice Directions on the local use of the honorary hereditary Royal Names of the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim (country name)” for the grantees in his/ her own country. In the absence of Grand Priors in any of the countries, His Royal Highness can appoint other officers of the Royal Orders to take care of the needs of these countries e.g., The Chancellor General, Deputy Grand Chancellor, Assistant Chancellor for UN Region Asia, etc.
Under no circumstances may the local use of the honorary hereditary Royal Court Names of the Royal House be mistaken for or become in usage like the British Peerage system i.e., Duke / Duchess, Marquess / Marchioness, Earl / Countess, Viscount / Viscountess, Baron / Baroness, etc. This honor is of a traditional Royal Court Name, not a noble title. This restriction does not apply to the ennobled titles of the Royal House already created prior to 3 June 2023.
Degradation
His Royal Highness, by his own right and prerogative, as well as on recommendation by the Royal House or the Chancellor General of Royal Orders, may remove the hereditary Royal Court Name, hereditary Baronetcy, knighthood, damehood, or any other honors bestowed.
ROYAL ORDER OF OBENG II
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Grand Master: His Majesty Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II Order bestowed as an honor to royals, nobles, and heads of state: His Majesty Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama, Paramount King of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area (and father of H.R.H. Oheneba Nana Kwame Obeng II) His Majesty The Omukama Rukirabasaija Agutamba Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom (Republic of Uganda) His Imperial Royal Highness Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan, Al-Nu'man VIII, of Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan (Lebanon & Syria) His Royal Majesty Ampun Sultan Hadji Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram, Royal Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo (Philippines) Her Highness Obehemaa Nana Akua Kraa II, Sefwi Obeng-Mim, Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area (Ghana) His Majesty King KGPAA Mangku Alam Al-Haj, Kingdom of Mangkualaman (Republic of Indonesia), bearer of the Akan traditional name of Oseadeeyo from this Royal House His Royal Highness KPH Adipathi Wiroyudho, Kingdom of Mangkualaman (Republic of Indonesia), bearer of the Akan traditional name Katakyie from this Royal House His Highness KP.Dato’ Seri Utama Letchumanan M Notohamijoyo, Kingdom of Mangkualaman (Republic of Indonesia), bearer of the Akan traditional name Adofo from this Royal House His Illustrious Highness Count Miklós M. M. Cseszneky (Hungary), bearer of the Akan traditional name of Ahofadifo from this Royal House Royal Knights/Dames (Adehye Akofo), Grand Collar of the Royal Order of Obeng II The Most Excellent Christian D. Boyd, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Boyd of Obeng II The Most Excellent Carl Lemke, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Lemke of Obeng II The Most Excellent Kenneth Parris, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Parris of Obeng II The Most Excellent James M Wilson, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Wilson of Obeng II The Most Excellent Katakyie Robert Kakalia, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Kakalia of Obeng II The Most Excellent Juhani Hujanen, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Hujanen of Obeng II The Most Excellent Lewis Luk, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Luk of Obeng II The Most Excellent Nwakasi Belisle-Nweke, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Belisle-Nweke of Obeng II The Most Excellent William W. T. Poon, Royal Knight and 1st Baronet Poon of Obeng II The Most Excellent Laurent Cayoux, GCO The Most Excellent Yannick Beuvelet, GCO The Most Excellent Michael Harrison, GCO The Most Excellent William Tang-Fong Chung, GCO The Most Excellent Mark Arbeen, GCO |
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Grand Knights/Dames (Onuonyamfo), Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Obeng II: The Most Excellent Rodger Patience, KGCO The Most Excellent Pietro Sicurelli, KGCO The Most Excellent Godfrey Brock-Gadd, KGCO The Most Excellent Garry J. Chandler, KGCO The Most Excellent Alvaro Tringolo Garbino, KGCO The Most Excellent Bernd Hoehle-Kleinertz, KGCO The Most Excellent Eric Ka-wing Ng, KGCO The Most Excellent Diana Sok Man Wong, DGCO The Most Excellent Samson Hiu Chuen Ko, KGCO The Most Excellent Wai Pan Lam, KGCO The Most Excellent Pamela Mei Yee Mak, DGCO The Most Excellent Carmen Yuk Ling Pang, DGCO The Most Excellent Joe Kwok Ming Chau, KGCO The Most Excellent Po Shing Liu, KGCO The Most Excellent Emily Yee Mei Cheung, DGCO The Most Excellent Carmen Ka Man Choi, DGCO The Most Excellent Benjamin Wai Kai Chan, KGCO The Most Excellent Shefik Macauley, KGCO The Most Excellent Susanna Yee Yung Ng, DGCO The Most Excellent Peter F. Gummersbach, KCGO The Most Excellent Bernd Hoehle-Kleinertz, KGCO The Most Excellent Dato’ Dr Mohamed Imran Bin Dr Hj Mohamed Yunos, KGCO The Most Excellent Clayborn Benson III, KGCO The Most Excellent Dr. Christopher Joseph Marascalco Cummins, KGCO The Most Excellent Peter Chor Beng Lau, KGCO The Most Excellent Benson Sun Bun Chang, KGCO |