Asantehene Silver Jubilee Climaxes with Durbar

The curtain has been drawn on the eventful and memorable 25th Enstoolment Anniversary celebration of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The weeks-long anniversary celebration was intelligently devised by the Planning Committee headed by Juabenhene Nana Otuo Sereboe II, to give all persons the chance to celebrate with His Majesty without recourse to social status.

Churches, different ethnic groups, students, businessmen and many others were given their turns with Otumfuo.

The whole celebration was climaxed on Sunday, May 12 2024 with a durbar at the Dwabrem Grounds of the Manhyia Palace with thousands of people in attendance.

Among the dignitaries who attended included President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Prime Minister for Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Hon Keith Rowley, his wife, Mrs Sharon Rowley, the Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Second Lady, H.E Samira Bawumia, the Awomefia of Anlo State, Togbe Siri II and Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru.

Emblematic Appearance of Otumfuo
Asantehene came to the grounds bedecked in striking emblematic gold and silver jewelry and apparel. His cloth with the name “Obi nya saa bi a anka ɔbɛyɛ”. His headgear and the strap of his traditional footwear had decorations of the nests of the little weaver, with the latter housing cowries as well.
From elbow to his wrist on both hands, and his feet were all bedecked with gold ornaments known as “Mmɛmfena”.

Also present at the durbar which marked the fourth Akwasidae festival of the year were Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom II and Lady Julia, the wife of the King.

Memorable
Publicly displayed was the Golden Stool of the Kingdom, an embodiment of the Kingdom’s soul and sovereignty.

In a welcome address, Nana Juabenhene said outdooring the treasured stool for the first time in a long while was aimed at making the anniversary a memorable one for all participants.

“We’ve done all these to make you remember this afternoon, especially the presence of the Golden Stool, a spectacle that we are not likely to see for a long long time will linger in your memories and that when you remember Otumfuo’s Silver Jubilee, you will also remember the wonderful reception we gave you and the fact that we gave you the chance to see the legendary Golden Stool.”

Fidelity to Oath
Speaking at the event, Otumfuo reflected on his reign which has been over two decades and with pride stated, “We have faced our destiny and we have not faltered nor fainted. We’ve been true to our oath and we have done honour to those whose duty it was to shepherd us into office 25 years ago.”

His Majesty used the occasion to pay tribute to his mother, the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II and his uncles, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu and Barima Kofi Karikari for their insightful fostering that has made him the great leader he is now famed for.

He noted that despite their transition into the next world, “the fruit of their labour” abides and he can only imagine the pride that fills them now.