'Otumfuo standing up to exchange pleasantries with King Mswati unprecedented and historic' - Obiri Boahen

The recent meeting between the two Kings, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana, and King Mswati III of Eswatini, has been described as historic and unprecedented.

A historian, Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen, explains, it's rare for the Asantehene to stand up to greet or receive greetings from anyone, as it could be considered a taboo in Asante tradition.

"The last time an Asante king stood up to greet someone was in 1980, when Otumfuo Opoku Ware II met Pope John Paul. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's decision to stand up and exchange pleasantries with King Mswati III suggests he views the King of Eswatini as an equal.

"This gesture is significant because it implies mutual respect and equality between the two monarchs.", Nana Obiri Boahen explained on Wontumi TV.

The ruler of Eswatini, King Mswati III, was in Kumasi on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, ahead of his much-anticipated visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The rich culture of the African continent was on display to the world when Asanteman received King Mswati III at the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi.

Dressed in a beautiful emahiya, the traditional attire of Eswatini, Mswati III was warmly welcomed by a delegation from the Manhyia Palace, led by the Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, who were all clothed in beautiful kente.

Before the king could exchange pleasantries with the delegation, the chief linguist of the Asantehene, Otumfoɔ Akyeamehene Nana Nsuase Poku, poured a libation to welcome him to Asanteman.