Otumfuo OSei Tutu II
HIS ROYAL Majesty, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be exactly 27 years on the sacred Golden Stool of the Asante kingdom on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
In this regard, all roads in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Regional capital, will lead to the Manhyia Palace on Sunday, where a grand durbar will be held to mark the milestone.
Significantly, Otumfuo’s enstoolment date will coincide with an Akwasidae festival, which is held in Asanteman every six weeks to honour the ancestors and the Asantehene.
This particular Akwasidae has been dubbed ‘Akwasidae Kese’ and it’s expected to be graced by top dignitaries, including government officials and traditional leaders.
Otumfuo’s Enstoolment In 1999
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended the Golden Stool as the 16th Asantehene on April 26, 1999 during a colourful traditional ceremony, held at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace.
He succeeded his brother, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, who had visited his ancestors after a short illness to end his 29 years reign as the spiritual leader of the Asante Kingdom.
Swearing the oath of office before paramount, divisional and other chiefs of Asanteman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was then 48 years old, assured to lead Asanteman into affluence.
Achievements
True to his words, the Asantehene has indeed chalked several top-notch achievements since he took office as his reign has helped to put Asanteman in the international spotlight.
Through his Otumfuo Education Fund, he has helped thousands of brilliant-but-needy Ghanaian students from various backgrounds, to climb high the academic ladder.
Also, the positive impact of the Asantehene, who is a progressive leader, has been greatly felt in the areas of health, water, sanitation and peace building, among others.
Otumfuo, using his unique arbitration skills, also played significant roles in restoring lasting peace in Dagbon, which had been rocked with chieftaincy crisis for many years.
Awards And International Trips
The king’s extraordinary performance in traditional office has been seen and duly rewarded by several world class universities, who have conferred honorary doctorates on him.
Otumfuo’s leadership style has also been recognized by the United Nations (UN), who invited him in 2019 to address the UN General Assembly about promoting global peace.
Due to his immense power and authority in the global stage, Otumfuo was among the few selected monarchs who graced King Charles’ ascension to the British throne in London.
The Asantehene has also been hosted by scores of powerful traditional leaders across the globe and presidents, where he was accorded a reception that befits presidential status.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Kumasi