The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, yesterday made history by storming the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area in a beautiful Kente cloth which is 83 years old.

The ancient cloth which is sublime was first worn by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Prempeh I during the restoration of the Asante Confederacy in 1935.

The Asantehene was in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional area at the invitation of the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin as the special guest of honour at a grand durbar of chiefs and people.

The durbar was organized to mark the 75th anniversary of the death of the late Okyenhene, Nana Ofori Atta I.

It was graced by scores of dignitaries across the country.

Several people with deep knowledge of history and traditional affairs said the Asantehene’s cloth signified peace and unity, as he was visiting Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area for the first time.



Otumfuo’s Explanation

The Asantehene, in his address, explained that he intentionally wore the 83-year-old cloth to Kyebi to categorically state to the whole world that he was on a peace mission in Akyem Abuakwa.

He disclosed that the cloth was first worn by the late Asantehene, Otumfuo Prempeh I during the restoration of the Asante Confederacy so it’s a cloth of peace, oneness and unity.

According to him, Okyeman and Asanteman had remained peaceful for many years and he wanted to deepen the peace and unity between the two people, hence his colourful dressing.



Durbar Grounds

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, who seemed to be in an ecstatic mood, arrived at the durbar grounds in a palanquin, which was heralded by paramount chiefs and surrounded by scores of servants at the King’s palace.

The Asantehene’s entry to the durbar grounds was met with firing of musketry and the singing of traditional Asante tunes amid wild cheers from scores of people at the function.

The Asantehene and his entourage took more than one hour to cover a distance of about 10 minutes to the venue, as the streets had been thronged by people from all walks of life who struggled to catch a glimpse of the Asantehene for the first time.

Otumfuo intermittently danced majestically in the palanquin to the melodious traditional tunes that were being played in the background as he finally entered the durbar grounds.

The Asante Monarch, after descending from the palanquin, shook hands with the Okyenhene.

Minutes later, he was officially welcomed by the Okyenhene amid the singing of Asante appellations.

The programme was attended by President Akufo-Addo, ex-President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and other dignitaries.