[ 2014-10-18 ]

Okuapeman Mobs Otumfuo
The Chiefs and people of the Akuapem Traditional
Area on Thursday gave the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei
Tutu II, a rousing welcome to a durbar held in his
honour as part of the 40th anniversary
celebrations of the Akuapemhene, Nana Addo Dankwa
III.

A mammoth crowd had converged at the forecourt of
the Akuapemhene's palace (Ahenbubuano) and the
principal streets of Akropong to catch a glimpse
of the Asantehene and his entourage.

There were shouts of appellation and waving of
handkerchiefs in excitement amidst tight
security.

Otumfuo, upon his arrival, waved and shook hands
with a selected few, including Nana Addo Dankwa
III, whom he described as a long time friend and
mentor.

After gracefully taking his seat, some selected
dignitaries, including government officials,
chiefs andothers, were allowed to shake hands with
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, but a few were also
embarrassed when they were refused access to the
great king of the Ashanti Kingdom. Amongst them
was Akua Donkor, a 2012 presidential hopeful.

She was in a queue to greet Otumfuo but was
quickly stopped by one of Otumfuo's linguists, who
asked her to go and resume her seat.

Apparently embarrassed by the turn of events, she
told the media there was one man amongst the
protocol whom she has a land litigation with.

She said the man had illegally taken over some
acres of land belonging to her.

She suspected that the said man might have asked
Otumfuo's linguist to stop her from getting near
the Ashanti monarch.

Another person, who was nearly denied access was
the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Akuapem
North, George Opare Addo.

Opare Addo, who was confidently leading the
Regional Minister, Antwi Boasiako Sekyere and his
entourage, was asked by the chief linguist of
Otumfuo, “Who are you?”

“I am the MCE,” he answered with sobriety,
hoping to get the green light, but was quickly
shoved aside while the minister and his deputy,
Mavis Akua Frimpong, were allowed to exchange
pleasantries with Otumfuo, the MCE looked on in
disbelief but was resolute to have his turn.

Moments later one of the chiefs impressed upon
Otumfuo's chief linguist to allow the MCE to greet
the traditional ruler, which he (linguist)
obliged.

The media also had their share with everyone
struggling to have the best of shots.

Despite the scourging sun, the media were resolute
not to miss any detail. They occasionally broke
protocol and would not mind the heckling.

They still followed up to Awukugua, the hometown
of the legendary fetish priest, Okomfo Anokye,
acclaimed to have turned the fortunes of the
Ashanti kingdom with his fierce spiritual prowess.
Even though shots were not allowed, the
journalists managed to take some.

At Awukugua, traffic came to a standstill and so
great was the crowd that not all members of
Otumfuo's entourage were able to enter the
palace.

Like the biblical Moses, many were those who saw
Okomfo Anokye's palace but could not enter it.

Otumfuo had earlier said his visit to the birth
place of the legendary Okomfo Anokye and his
palace was significant to Asanteman. He
acknowledged

that Okuapeman and Asanteman are one because “if
not for Okuapeman, I would not have been this
great, neither would Asanteman have achieved this
much.”

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he had rekindled the
bond of friendship between Asanteman and
Okuapeman.

Source - Daily Guide

... go Back