Otumfuo Endorses Leslie Osei Bonsu as Next Asante Mamponghene

The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has endorsed and ordered the performance of rites for the enstoolment of Leslie Osei Bonsu, a senior software architect and geospatial systems strategist, as the next occupant of the Amaniampong Silver Stool.

At the Asanteman Council meeting on December 15, 2025, Otumfuo affirmed the choice of the Queen, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, while clearing all impediments to the process.

Otumfuo called the nominee to the fore and ordered his handing over to the kingmakers by the Queen.

His Majesty then ordered them to perform the requisite rites and bring him back to take the oath of allegiance as soon as possible.

Issue
Before the Council, three of the kingmakers, including the Ankobeahene, Kyidomhene and Akwamuhene, accused the Queen of defying traditionally laid down processes to personally enstool her nominee, identified as Leslie Osei Bonsu.

“Instead of first bringing the nominee to us, she had him lifted and paraded around unapproved routes as the new chief, so we boycotted him when she later presented him to us.”

They also raised concerns about the Queen’s ‘rude’ attitude.

Nana Agyakoma denied the earlier allegations, saying she went by the book to choose the nominee.

Responding to the parading claims, she said she didn’t order it.

“It was the men in my home who lifted him. I later saw it on social media.”

Dispute with Queen
Acknowledging the numerous charges against the Queen, discouraged kingmakers from attempting to settle scores with any Queen by frustrating their efforts to select a chief to occupy a vacant stool, emphasising that they cannot take advantage of situations for their personal gains.

Otumfuo also queried the kingmakers for failing to confront their issue with the Queen head-on while Daasebre Osei Bosu was alive.

His Majesty posited that it was an ideal occasion for her to face disciplinary action.

“I know she disregards you, and you fear that she will do worse when she succeeds at bringing her brother.”

Meanwhile, the Asantehene chastised the Queen for her attitude.

Obstruction without Cause Unacceptable
The Occupant of the Golden Stool further stated that settling scores with the Queen by obstructing her traditional role for no legitimate reasons was unacceptable.

“That is her role, and it cannot be taken away from her. If you reject her nominee, it has to be on legitimate grounds- from being an ex-convict, criminal, mentally unstable, among others- If none of these can be cited with proof, then her nominee must be enstooled. Even if you legitimately reject him, she will be in charge of getting another.”

“I know you have a favourite for the stool. Prof Akosah is very qualified for the stool, I’m aware, but he has to be chosen by the woman standing there, {Nana Agyakoma}. If she doesn’t choose him, there is nothing anyone can do about it.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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