Otumfuo@25: Golden Stool Takes Centre Stage
The Golden Stool of the Asante Kingdom has for the first time in a long while been outdoored for the world and the young generation to have an experience of it.
The glorious and breathtaking embodiment of the soul of the people of the Asante Kingdom currently sits in state beside its incumbent occupant, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as he marks 25 years of ascension.
The stool came in state carried on the cerebral rear of designated traditional attendants while some of its intricate parts were handled by one other, all draped in white cloth.
It was among the numerous treasures of the Kingdom that accompanied His Majesty to the Dwabrem Ground of the Manhyia Palace where the climax of Otumfuo’s anniversary and the fourth Akwasidae festival of the year unflolds.
Currently sitting in state in the full glare of the public is the Golden Stool of celestial origin known as Sika Dwa Kofi. It is placed on one of the seats designated for Asante traditional rulers beside Otumfuo.
It is believed that the stool does not touch the ground and so is always placed on a seat on a pelt.
The British in the 1900s tried to forcefully take away the Golden Stool to no avail. The attempt by the British received a proactive response in concealing it away from their reach.
Speaking at the Kuntunkuni Durbar on February 8, 2024, Asantehene alluded to the existence and significance of the Stool in sustaining the Asante Kingdom.
He noted that the Golden Stool houses the soul of the Kingdom and with its existence, retains Asanteman, making it indestructible.
“Asante is alive. 150 years ago, the whites destroyed this city but the Golden Stool remained. Diverse kinds of guns came to Kumasi but Golden Stool remained untouched. So far as the Golden Stool remains, no one can touch Asanteman. It is the soul of Asanteman and Nananom used their blood to protect it.”
The Golden is kept in a sacred place and is only brought out on special occasions like today’s.
Otumfuo is marking his Silver Jubilee under theme: “25 Years of Local and Global Impact”.
