Dignify The Position You Hold; Asantehene to His Wives
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has advised his traditional wives to carry out their roles in a manner that attracts respect, honour, and dignity.
At a New Year luncheon organized by His Majesty’s wife, Lady Julia for her co-wives at the Manhyia Palace on January 5, 2025, the King underscored the significance of their positions and roles.
“I always say that irrespective of where you are with the position you hold, it is an honour for our entire family. To be appointed to reign in the stead of your grandmother as wife of the Asantehene. We are reinforcing the commitment Nana (Asantehene) had with your great-grandmother when he decided to marry them. I have to accord you all the needed respect and honour because it was my predecessors who married you and so I deem you as my wives.”
According to the King, the positions they hold are eminent and thereby the need to be guided by decorum.
Abuse of Power
His Majesty, on that note, counselled them against abusing their power.
“One of the things I frown upon is intimidating others with your position. Don’t try to use your position to peddle falsehood. That is bad. When you do that, you dishonour me. I don’t want people to stand before me to make complaints against you.”
The King vowed to stand for the truth as he has always done in such cases and subject them to the needed retribution when they are found culpable.
“For sure you have my support but you know that I will uphold the truth always. No matter the love I have for you, I will stand by the truth. Asantehene sacrificed Agyaponmaa his wife, wrapped her bead around his gun and went with it to war. I will plead with you to lead honourably… I will work on your land disputes. If your predecessors gave out land and you decide to retake it, I won’t allow that.”
Otumfuo also urged them to feel free and approach his office with their issues whenever needed.
“If anyone causes you trouble, bring it before me and we will do justice to it.”
Delayed Cases
The Occupant of the Golden Stool then assured them of the needed swift resolution, urging them to be patient.
“A lot of disputes are before me. Cases of Asanteman are enormous so don’t worry when your cases take long but you also know that when I sit on your cases, I do a lot. Let’s all be patient. Whatever needs to be done for peace to reign will be done”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
