Oheneba Adusei Poku, The Longest Serving Otumfuo Akyempimhene
Born Nana Osei Tutu to Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the 15th King of the Asante Kingdom, Oheneba Adusei Poku was enstooled the 12th Akyempimhene in 1982.
He succeeded Oheneba Boakye Dankwa at the age of 35 years. Oheneba thus occupied the stool for 42 years, making him the longest occupant of the stool.
At the time of his enstoolment, he worked as a foreign officer in Washington DC. He resigned from diplomatic duties in 1991 to dedicate the rest of his life to the Golden Stool and the role of Head of the Kyidom Division of the Kumasi Traditional Council.
His reign saw him serving two Asante Monarchs- Otumfuo Opoku Ware II from 1982 to 1999 and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II from 1999 to date.
Oheneba’s loyalty and fidelity to Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II were impeccable, serving in humility and respect and always availing himself to convey the vision, values and actions demanded of generating a better society.
His expertise in law, diplomacy and governance came in handy in his contribution towards the development and modernization of Asanteman.
Oheneba Adusei Poku supported and promoted many good causes in Asanteman and Ghana. He was the patron of several organizations and served on the boards of key institutions such as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ashanti Regional Lands Commission and Asante Kotoko SC.
His selfless and generous nature enabled him to support the livelihoods of countless individuals and families. The support came in various forms including admissions to academic institutions, job applications, critical personal expenses and other pressing needs of many families.
To his beloved church, St. Cyprian’s Anglican Cathedral, he was worth his weight in gold.
He received the highest award in the Anglican Church called “The Bishop’s Badge of Honour” for the extraordinary support he gave to his Church.
In recognition of Oheneba’s distinguished service to Asanteman and Ghana, the title of an ‘Honorary Fellow’ was also conferred upon him by Akuafo Hall, University of Ghana (Legon).
On Wednesday, 10th July 2024, Oheneba passed away peacefully at KATH after a short illness.
