Hold Fast to the Stool; Otumfuo to Denyasehene

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has charged the newly enstooled Paramount chief of Denyase Traditional Area, Nana Akosa Yiadom III, to hold fast to the stool his maternal lineage has successfully regained after a hard-fought litigation.

Prior to taking an oath of allegiance at an Asanteman Council meeting on January 13, 2025, the Monarch recounted how his family’s carelessness caused them to lose the stool to their servants for years with attempts to later regain it proving quite difficult.
“The litigation had earlier resurrected, yet it was put to rest. But from my observations when I was enstooled, I realized the case would be resuscitated and surely it did, but we have upheld truth to resolve it amicably. Don’t forsake the stool ever again. Hold fast to it.”

Development
The Asantehene also advised him to prioritise development and emulate Juabenhene and  Tepahenene who have strove to develop their areas of jurisdiction.

He highlighted that though no apportioned revenue from the government comes to chiefs, he could make use of District Assemblies to attract development for the town.

“Liaise with District Assemblies for your portion of developmental projects. Tepahene, through his wisdom, has brought massive development to his town. Juabenhene has also done the same. He even has a school named after him. The taxes are paid to the government but use humility and wisdom to fight for development.”

Relocation
The King also urged the chief who until seven years ago lived in Canada, to permanently relocate to the town and directly rule from there.

“Even if you have to live in a single room to be closer to your subjects do it and you will win their allegiance.”

Humility
Otumfuo also counselled him to stay humble to all traditional authorities around the stool and welcome their counsel.

“Lead in humility. Know that in the town, there are people of all calibres. Tolerance and patience will be the tools you will use to benefit from their counsel. You will be able to filter to get the best course of action from the foolish and the wise.”

Great Oath
Meanwhile, the occupant of the Golden Stool warned him about the Great Oath, vowing not to spare him when he falls foul.

“You will know how the Great Oath works when you fall foul.”

Charge to Elders
The Asantehene also charged the stool elders to exhibit honesty before the chief and desist from dubious acts.

He noted that the “sins” they committed in the absence of a chief had been forgiven. However, a later sin while a new chief reigns will not go unpunished.

Oath of Allegiance
Nana Akosa Yiadom III took hold of the Mponponsuo sword, stood before the King and declared, “I will continue the honourable service of my predecessors, always avail myself to the service of Asanteman and uphold truthfulness. If I fail to do these, I violate the Great Oath.”

Source: opensuo.com/Hajara Fuseini