Breaking News: Former Hearts of Oak executive and Gbese Mantse Nii Ayi-Bonte II passes away

Former Hearts of Oak executive and Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, has died after a short illness.

The traditional ruler, known in private life as Thomas Okine, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, throwing the Gbese community and the wider football fraternity into mourning.

Nii Ayi-Bonte II was widely known among football supporters for his association with Hearts of Oak during one of the club's most successful eras. He played a role behind the scenes as the Phobians dominated Ghanaian football in the 1990s and early 2000s and established themselves among the continent's top clubs.

His death comes just two days after he was seen publicly participating in traditional activities to mark the lifting of the ban on drumming and noise-making ahead of the Homowo festival. During the event, he appeared frail as he was carried through the streets of Gbese by his subjects.

Installed as Gbese Mantse in 2007, Nii Ayi-Bonte II combined traditional leadership with a distinguished professional career. He was an accountant by training and founded Lifetime Pharmacy Limited and Savemart Company Limited.

He also served on the Judicial Committees of the Ga Traditional Council and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, and was a commissioner of the Greater Accra Regional Lands Commission.

Away from football administration, he was involved in boxing and managed former world champion Joseph Agbeko while helping to promote professional boxing events in Ghana.

Nii Ayi-Bonte II is remembered for his contributions to traditional leadership, sports and community development, as well as his long-standing connection with Hearts of Oak.