How Otumfuo's Homecoming Was Celebrated by Asante Chiefs: 'Welcoming Gold for Kofi'
- Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has arrived back in Kumasi following a prolonged overseas journey, attracting a large gathering of people at Prempeh International Airport.
- The esteemed Asante monarch was greeted by chiefs, dignitaries, along with throngs of subjects who had been awaiting his arrival for more than two hours.
- The emotionally charged reception was spearheaded by the Juabenhene and Asafohene, underscoring Otumfuo’s significance to the community of Asanteman.
King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of Asante has arrived back home following a prolonged journey overseas.
This comes after a phase where the esteemed monarch took a break from their strenuous royal responsibilities to embark on international travels for reasons not disclosed to the public.
When he arrived at Prempeh International Airport in Kumasi, often referred to as the Garden City of West Africa, several Asante chiefs and their people greeted Otumfuo with traditional honors.
The welcoming party was headed by Nana Otuo Sereboe II, the Juabenhene, along with Akyeamfuo Asafo Boakye Agyemang Bonsu, who serves as the Asafohene of the Ashanti kingdom.
Along with those previously noted, attendees also comprised Kumasi’s mayor, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi; ex-MP and NPP vice-presidential candidate, Matthew Opoku Prempeh; the Ashanti Region's Police Chief, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjo; as well as the GOC of the Central Command, Brigadier General Matthew Opoku.
Addressing the press, an anonymous leader mentioned that they had been waiting for the Asantehene for over two hours.
He stated that the venerated monarch was still the source of pride for the Asante kingdom, and they were ready to receive him with great pomp and ceremony upon his return, irrespective of how long they had to wait.
For over two hours, we have been standing here awaiting the arrival of Otumfuo. For us Asantes, the longer the conversation, the deeper our respect for our monarch grows. It isn’t an everyday occurrence to witness crowds gathering at airports just to greet a traditional leader; however, Asanteman boasts a highly esteemed king, which prompted many of us to gather en masse and warmly receive him,” he stated.
Watch the video below:
Ghanaians respond to the video of the Asante chief
The video posted by the Asante chief triggered a flurry of responses on social media platforms as numerous internet users voiced their opinions.
.gh compiled some of the responses below:
@King COLLINS said:
Born in Ghana, raised as an Asante through divine providence. Asante y3 Oman.
@Alfredo also said:
Thank you from Oman, thank you from Odo, thank you for our friendship. I am grateful to receive this gift, Kofi.
@michaeladonai461 commented:
Piawww, we will be serving you the ohene.
@Michael also commented:
That's my grandfather, Nana Boakyeyam Ababio II.
@ccyaa97 wrote:
Even elderly gentlemen might find themselves waiting over two hours for Otumfo.
Otumfuo dances Adowa at the airport
Earlier, .gh It was reported that when Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II arrived at the Prempeh International Airport, he performed a dance in Kumasi.
In a video, the esteemed king delighted massive crowds that had assembled at the airport to greet him, showcasing his expertise in the Adowa dance.
The esteemed monarch conveyed his feelings and gratitude via customary hand and foot movements during an enthusiastic reception in Kumasi.
Numerous Ghanaians who viewed the clip of his arrival on social media flocked to the comments section to share their reactions.