We’ve not Faltered nor Fainted; Asantehene Reflects on His Oath
The King of the Asante King, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in a reflection on his leadership over the Asante Kingdom has postulated that he has honoured the oath he swore 25 years ago with the sword.
His Majesty in his speech during the climax of his Silver Jubilee Anniversary stated that his assumption of leadership was a call to destiny in the face of myriad challenges posed to the Kingdom by political dynamism at the time.
Yet, he stepped forward to the call and pledged to lead as his illustrious and famed predecessors did in their time.
“I swore on that faithful day to lead my people with the courage and with the wisdom with which Opemsuo Osei Tutu built the Asante nation, the courage and daring with which Opoku Ware I and others after him extended the nation into the empire it became and the dignity with which Prempeh I and Prempeh II managed its integration into the Gold Coast.
“I wasn’t unaware of the fact that there was no Obiri Komfo Anokye to guide us with his powers not that the terrain in our time could not be more complex and challenging. Yet I drew the Mponponsuo sword in full confidence that as long as we maintained fidelity with the Golden Stool and remained faithful to the truth, ‘we shall not’, as the hymnal says ‘in the desert stray nor miss our providential way’.”
A quarter of a century down the lane, His Majesty sees himself gloriously and perhaps effortlessly steering the affairs of the Kingdom, in fulfilment of the oath he took.
“Today with the Golden Stool by our side, with all the weight of history upon our shoulders, we cry out with the mix of humility and pride, ‘thanks be to God’. We have faced our destiny and we have not faltered nor fainted. We’ve been true to our oath and we have done honour to those whose duty it was to shepherd us into office 25 years ago.”
His Majesty used the occasion to pay tribute to his mother, the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II and his uncles, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu and Barima Kofi Karikari for their insightful fostering that has made him the great leader he is now famed for.
He noted that despite their transition into the next world, “the fruit of their labour” abides and he can only imagine the pride that fills them now.
The Dwabrem grounds of the Manhyia Palace on Sunday, May 12, 2024, witnessed the culmination of the Silver Jubilee celebration of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
At the event were Asantehene’s wife, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, and traditional authorities within Asanteman.
The event also drew dignitaries from all parts of the country and beyond including the country’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the Prime Minister for Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Hon Keith Rowley, his wife, Mrs Sharon Rowley, the Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the second Lady, H.E Samira Bawumia, the Awomefia of Anlo State, Togbe Siri II, Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru, and many others.
