Asantehemaa Funeral Rites Start

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, arriving at the funeral grounds

 

THE FOUR days funeral rites of Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, the late Asantehemaa, officially started on Monday, amid wailing and shedding of tears in the Manhyia Palace.

The deceased, who was the 14th Asante Queen, died after short illness in the Manhyia Palace on Thursday, August 7, 2025, sending shock waves in the entire Asante kingdom.

Otumfuo Opens Remains Of Asantehemaa

As tradition demands, Otumfuo opened the remains of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, which was laid in state in the Asantehemaa’s palace at Manhyia on Monday morning for the event to start.

The Asantehene, whose body language showed that indeed he was in a sad mood, filed past the body of the queen, who was said to be dressed in a beautiful traditional Asante cloth.

Earlier on Sunday, Otumfuo, who is the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, had made a rare appearance at the Asantehemaa’s palace to inspect preparations for the event.

Fetish Priests Display

Before Otumfuo paved the way for viewing of the body by chiefs and the public, scores of fetish priests and priestesses had performed at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace.

The fetish priests and priestesses display, according to sources at the palace, is to help cast away every negative omen that have the potential of destroying the funeral rites.

Also, their presence and magical display, among other things, would contribute to make the funeral rites, which is known in Asante language as ‘Dote Yie’ very successful and peaceful.

Otumfuo Rides In Palanquin

Later on Monday afternoon, Otumfuo, who was dressed in black cloth and carried in a palanquin, stormed the Asantehemaa’s palace again to pay his respects to the queen.

From the Asantehemaa’s palace, the Asante King majestically arrived at the ‘Dwabirem’, the venue for the four-day funeral rites, where he was accorded a rousing welcome by the crowd.

The Asantehene was welcomed to the venue with the firing of musket and the singing of dirges by the sea of mourners, who had come from all corners of the country and beyond.

Lady Julia Consoles Otumfuo

Otumfuo later on sat in state as dignitaries, including traditional leaders, politicians, the clergy, businessmen and people from all walks of life consoled him over his loss.

Significantly, among the people who consoled the Asantehene on the first day of the funeral rites was his dear wife, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, who was dressed in black cloth.

Also present was former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) members, Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi and others.

Asante Culture On Display

Meanwhile, the Asantehemaa’s funeral rites has been used as a platform to once again display the rich Asante culture and traditions, which dates to about four centuries, to the world.

Tight Security

In a related development, security at the Manhyia Palace and nearby areas was very tight on Monday. Policemen were stationed at vantage points at the palace to ensure order.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah & David Afum, Kumasi

The Late Asantehemaa

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III is an elder sister of Otumfuo, and she died at the age of 98. She would be buried on Thursday night at the Asante Royal Mausoleum in Breman near Kumasi.

 

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