In light of the recent uproar surrounding the alleged marriage ceremony involving a 12-year-old and Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, the Gborbu Wulomo, the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse says the customary and traditional rites performed last Saturday have been misconstrued by many.
The press release, dated Tuesday, April 2 2024, maintains that the ceremony was to make the girl assume the role of Naa Yoomo Ayemuede – one of the four wives of the Gborbu deity and not the occupant of the role of Wulomo-Shitse. Naa Yoomo Ayemuede would hold a distinct and essential role within the cultural and religious framework of Nungua.
According to the Gborbu Wulomo's office, the role of Naa Yoomo Ayemuede is deeply rooted in tradition and not synonymous with conventional marriage.
“The Gborbu deity has four Traditional and Religious wives in Nungua alone and they are Naa Ashiele, Naa Ohemea, Naa Bosuafi and the final one is Naa Yoomo Ahwemoede. The Gborbu deity has other wives outside Nungua, some are Akornode in Larteh, etc. Per traditional customary rites, Naa Yoomo Ahwemoede performs a peculiar traditional role which is different from the other three wives,” the statement said.
“We would like to emphasize that, there is no carnal relationship or marriage involved as perceived by many. For the records, the other wives to the deity have their respective legal husbands”.
Outlined in the press release are the specific duties and responsibilities of Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, which include performing special rites for the Gborbu deity, aiding in the annual Kplejoo Homowo celebrations, feeding deities at significant locations, and overseeing various spiritual and ceremonial aspects.
The release mentioned that the items presented during the ceremony were not indicative of marriage rites but rather symbolic elements to aid Naa Yoomo Ayemuede in carrying out her traditional obligations.
Furthermore, the press release addressed the selection process for individuals assuming the role of Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, highlighting that spiritual consultations and divine interventions play a significant role in determining the rightful occupant of the position.
The release also clarifies the exceptional circumstances surrounding Naa Okromo's selection, citing prophetic elements and divine interventions that led to her consecration and eventual assumption of the role six years ago.
Regarding the events that transpired during the ceremony, the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse acknowledges certain excesses but stresses that these were not representative of the core purpose of the ritual.
The press release reiterates the commitment of Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII, Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, to upholding constitutional standards and defending cultural traditions within Nungua.
