Most of the people now condemned the president Odehyekronkron Atta Akyempem had set. Many of them consider it unfair, provocative and a classic example of injustice. But whatever their opinion of it were,it had already become a tradition. Sibreso had now become a typical matrilineal community.
Nephews succeeded their uncle and inherited whatever they had laboured for in life when they died .So it was really heartwarming to have a rich uncle to succeed in the future. But it was rather disheartening when the opposite was the case. One counted himself unfortunate when, by the special. traditional arrangement, the uncle he would succeed in the future turned out to be poor or, worse still, a liability. As a matter of fact, luck mattered most in the system of inheritance.
History, oral tradition, of course, had it that the first chief of the town, then a village, was Odehyekronkron Atta Akyempem. it contended that he was the founder of the town as well. The great man, according to the legend, had six sons, four daughters and about twenty -two grandchildren. He was, however, most fond of his nephew, Adwenpa, who had lived with them since childhood. He was the only child of his late twin sister, Attaa Akyempem. And because he dearly loved his late twin sister Attaa Akyempem, and had great affection for his late twin sister son that is his nephew.
Adwenpa was a humble, modest, hard working young man.He was neither materialistic nor extravagant, and content in living a simple life. His uncle felt that he took after him in behaviour. Unlike any of his son's who were too lazy, wasteful and overly dependent, he felt that his nephew was reliable and trustworthy. He therefore, believed he could effectively succeed him when he died.
One day he summoned all the elders of the village to a secret meeting. He implored them to be witness to a plan he had in mind concerning his succession. But since he wanted everything to remain securit until his death, he first swore them to secrecy. His son's would obviously despise him if they even found out that the 'informal',verbal will was not in their favour.
Chief: "Elders of Sibreso, an old adage says that death is inevitable. At my age, it is an undeniable fact that my day on earth are numbered. It therefore, behoves me to choose a successor beforehand in order to forestall any disagreement or misunderstanding. I would want to rest in perfect peace after death."
Elder 1: "It is absolutely in order, Odehyekronkron. In fact, Odehyekronkron, this arrangement is even long overdue in my opinion."
Elder 2: " My sentiment exactly, Nana. But since we still have today it is never too late."
Elder 3: "Odehyekronkron, your elders are all ears . You may now let the cat out of the bag."
Chief : "Elders, it always saddens me that my son's have all been a disappointment; everyone here can attest to the fact. I have, therefore, decided that my nephew Adwenpa should succeed me when I am gone. May you all be witness to the choice I have made today . But, once again, everything mast remain a top secret until my death. Thank you, Elders of the land."
Elders: "Your wish is our command, Odehyekronkron."
Elder 4 : "Odehyekronkron, elders of Sibreso, I do not know if anyone else has realized this, but I for one have realized something significant. I have learnt that nephews tend to manage properties that are bequeathed to them better than son's .I can confidently cite the case for the late Nana Domenama and that of the late Nana Abodwese, Elders.Their son's who succeeded them just mismanaged everything they left behind. Now, their families have completely lost their past glory. I could go on and on to cite many other examples, Elders, but I would just want to be brief. I think Odehyekronkron arrangement is commendable. It is indeed a good precedent and I suggest it is institutionalized, Elders of the land Thank you."