Otumfuo and Yagbonwura in Manhyia
THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, hosted Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, in the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi last Wednesday.
Significantly, the visit of the Yagbonwura coincided with Awukudae, one of the sacred festivals in Asanteman, so he was welcomed with a mammoth durbar of chiefs and people of Asanteman.
Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, in a speech read on his behalf, called for strengthening of the relationship between Asante and Gonja Kingdoms, especially in the area of land disputes.
“It is my humble appeal that our two kingdoms work closely and share experiences in promoting peaceful mechanisms for resolving land disputes,” the visiting monarch remarked to the gathering.
According to him, it’s his firm belief that sharing knowledge and experiences between Asanteman and Gonja Kingdom would lead to effective and efficient land administration, paving way for growth.
“Let us strengthen cooperation between our two kingdoms so that together we can become stronger advocates for peace and stability in the country,” he said, adding that the two kingdoms have more to do.
Tracing history, the Yagbonwura stated that Asante Kingdom and Gonja Kingdom, despite their different geographical locations, have successfully worked closely together for so many years for their mutual benefit.
“Although our two kingdoms are geographically separated, they have long been united by history and destiny. For centuries, trans-Saharan trade connected Salaga, Kintampo, Techiman, and Kumasi as major trade routes before the arrival of Europeans.
“These routes served not only as corridors of commerce but also as pathways of friendship, diplomacy, and cultural exchange,” he recalled with pride, attracting applause from the crowd.
The Yagbonwura also added that “Gonja merchants supplied livestock, shea butter, leather, textiles, and other products, while Asante traders brought gold, kola nuts, and manufactured goods.”
According to him, “Beyond commerce, our relationship was deepened through faith and scholarship,” stressing that it’s high time that Asanteman and Gonja Kingdom collaborated effectively once again.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, the Asante Mamponghene, speaking on behalf of his overlord, the Asantehene, informed Yagbonwura that “You have left Asanteman deeply moved by your large entourage today.”
He also recounted that Asante Kingdom and Gonja Kingdom have been brothers since time immemorial, indicating that the Asantehene would also reciprocate the gesture by visiting the Yagbonwura.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi