Asantehene Frowns at Abuse of Traditional Regalia
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has denounced a trend of abuse of traditional regalia by some Asante traditional rulers.
Otumfuo observes that the abuse of these regalia is practised by both male and female rulers.
His Majesty cited the use of palanquins, ‘kyawkyaw’, hats and titles, noting that these are blindly copied as a luxury.
“You can’t put on anything. Not all queens are entitled to palanquins. It is reserved for paramount queens and selected queens. Not everyone in Kumasi assumes the title, Nana. Most of them are Opanin but have thrown that away for Nana. Regalians have now become a luxury…Sons of the Asantehene don’t put on a hat. Their father wears a hat, so they can’t wear it, but what do we see here?”
His Majesty also clarified that Baapanin is not of the same authority as the queen, adding that they can’t ride in palanquins.
Otumfuo decried the fact that authorities designated to supervise and bring order had reneged.
“We have overlooked these, and it is prevailing. Regalia can’t be copied.
“Know that swearing allegiance to me is what affirms your position, not the regalia you add to your stool. There is also a trend where all chiefs want to swear with the Mponponsuo sword, not knowing Ahwebaa is supreme among all swords.”
Otumfuo intends to organise a workshop to educate Nananom on these things.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
