We Won’t Execute Violators of Asantehemaa’s Burial Night Curfew – Otumfuo Kyeame
Baffour Kantankrankyi, a linguist of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has affirmed that persons who defy the Thursday night curfew will not be executed.
The outdoor movement restriction is intended to make way for the burial of the late Queen of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The clarification comes to demystify the presumption that violators would be executed and used as part of the rites for the burial.
In an interview with Opemsuo Radio, Baffour noted that Asanteman is law-abiding and acknowledges the constitution’s authority.
“We have restricted outdoor movement. We don’t kill humans. We are law-abiding.”
Rather, Baffour said the directive was for public security and safety.
He explained that the preceding rites for the burial of the Queen are so powerful that they may induce possession and frenzy in the traditional executioners.
As a result, they might unintentionally hurt anyone who crosses their path.
“We don’t want anyone to bring calamity on themselves because the executioners will be leading the procession to the designated points. When the executioners take in ritual drinks, they get possessed by the spirit. They might hurt someone.”
He was also quick to add that the Asantehene has encouraged the traditional executioners to exercise restraint in the face of such instances.
“Otumfuo has engaged them to avoid such a thing. We want an incident-free burial for the Queen.”
The carefully planned burial rites have a series of activities from September 15 to September 18, when the rites will come to an end.
Her Majesty will be buried on the last day at Breman Baamu.
Filing past is reserved to take place sequentially among dignitaries and the general public from September 15 to 18, between 5 am and 5 pm, except for the last day, when it will end at 11 am to make way for a burial service at 3 pm.
A key point to note is the institution of the restriction on outdoor movement effective 7 pm on September 18 to make way for the burial of Her Majesty.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
