Otumfuo bids farewell to late son

There were sad scenes when the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, bade farewell to the late Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, at the Akyeremade Palace in Kumasi on Monday, November 18.

The deceased traditional leader had been laid in state for three days for scores of mourners, including chiefs, to pay their last respects to him. Monday, which was the last day, was when Otumfuo also bade farewell to him.

Oheneba Adusei Poku, until his untimely demise at the age of 77, was the head of the Kyidom Division of the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC). Traditionally, he was the eldest son of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Otumfuo, who was dressed in a black cloth to signify that he was in mourning, was carried in a palanquin through the principal streets of Adum, the Central District of Kumasi, to the Akyempimhene's palace yesterday.

The Asante King, who was surrounded by a number of his courtiers and servants, was seen singing traditional Asante dirges. Most of the mourners consoled the Asantehene over his great loss.

Otumfuo, after filing past the Akyempimhene's body, sat in state as the chief mourner for some selected mourners, including chiefs and politicians, to pay homage and also console him.

Among the dignitaries that paid homage to Otumfuo was the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka 'Napo', who was accompanied by Justin Kodua Frimpong and other New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwarts.

Significantly, the 'Doteyie' of the Akyempimhene was characterised by the singing of traditional Asante dirges. The late chief was expected to be buried in a mausoleum on Monday night.

-DGN online