Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
A GRAND durbar of chiefs and people of Asanteman was held last Sunday at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to mark 27 years of successful and impactful reign of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The traditional programme was attended by dignitaries from various backgrounds, including prominent traditional leaders, government officials, business leaders, the clergy and people from all walks of life, who were there to honour Otumfuo.
The Asantehene, who was dressed in a beautiful ‘Kente’ cloth with gold ornaments to match, arrived at the durbar grounds being carried in palanquin. There were spontaneous applause and shouts to welcome the Asante King to the event venue.
Otumfuo, who seemed pleased by the electrifying atmosphere and the warm reception accorded to him, intermittently waved back to the charged crowd, most of whom were waving Asanteman’s flag of yellow, black and green.
The Asantehene eventually sat in state at the durbar ground, surrounded by his chiefs, sword bearers and servants as some selected dignitaries were given the chance to shake his hands and wish him well.
The government delegation was made up of the National Chairman of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia; Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene; and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly boss, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi aka ‘Zuba’, among others.
Representatives of other political parties in the country, notably the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), were also there to congratulate the Asantehene for the historic milestone and also wish him well on the throne.
The durbar, which was christened as ‘Akwasidae Kese’, was characterised by drumming and dancing. Traditional Asante ‘Kete’ and ‘Adowa’ tunes were consistently played as the merrymaking people displayed their traditional dancing skills.
Even though the programme signified joy and excitement, musket were periodically fired to show the might and fame of the Asante kingdom, which has been in existence for over four centuries and continues to grow even in this modern era.
At the tail end of the programme, Otumfuo was carried in a palanquin once again as he exchanged pleasantries with some of the distinguished personalities present. The Asante King also displayed his traditional dancing skills, amid chants of “the King”.
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 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 awarded honorary doctorates to him.
Otumfuo’s leadership style has also been recognised 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 on 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