The Arabic-Inscribed Outfit Asantehene Wore to Administer Agonahene’s Oath of Allegiance
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, repeated a rare practice of changing his cloth during an Asanteman Council meeting on Monday.
His Majesty attended the meeting on June 29, 2026, in a simple black cloth.
The Asantehene later changed into a ‘Hye wonhye’ cloth with Arabic inscriptions, paired with a cowrie-adorned hat decorated at the crown with lion’s fur.
His Majesty first wore this kind of outfit on the traditional Priests Day during his 20th Anniversary in 2019.
Called ‘Hye Wonhye’ in the local dialect, to wit, ‘Resistant to Fire,’ the cloth has inscriptions in Arabic all over and is exclusively worn by the Asantehene.
These are traditional and customary regalia the King was adorned with as part of the preparations to receive the oath on Monday.
Another significant event was the seclusion of all nananom, except Nkoranzahene, Juabenhene, and Otumfuo Akyeamhene, from offering advice to the new chief. Otumfuo explained that not everyone is permitted to counsel him.
Origin ‘Hye Wonhye’
It is understood that it came about during the era of Asantehene Osei Kwame Tutu, who many believe converted to Islam.
During that era, the ruler’s religious orientation opened the Kingdom to the emigration of a large number of Muslims. Additionally, Muslims had a lot of influence in the Asante courts.
It was at this time that the office of Asantehene Kramo was established. The appointee was mandated to lead a group of Asante Muslims to manufacture the cloth.
Change in Outfit
The change of outfit by the Asantehene prior to an oath of allegiance is an uncommon practice.
It occurs only when the chief taking the oath holds special authority within the Asante Kingdom.
Paramount and sub-chiefs whose oath-taking warrants this practice include Denyasehene, Agonahene, Nkoranzahene, Nsutahene, Asante Mamponghene, Juabenhene, Otumfuo Buabasa, Bantamahene, and Tafohene.
Story by Hajara Fusini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
