Asantehene warns against casual invocation of the Great Oath of Asanteman

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has warned chiefs, queen-mothers, and others contesting for traditional stools against the careless invocation of the sacred Great Oath of Asanteman.

Speaking at the first meeting of the Asanteman Traditional Council for 2025 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Otumfuo Osei Tutu cautioned chiefs, queens, and other traditional leaders to exercise prudence when handling matters involving the invocation of the sacred Great Oath.

“Invoking the Great Oath is akin to exacerbating my affliction,” he emphasized, warning that transgressors would face the repercussions associated with such actions.

He pointed out that the oath serves as a means of asserting claims; therefore, individuals who deliberately or inadvertently invoke it or counter-invoke it would not escape the ramifications if found culpable.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu advised chiefs against invoking the oath if they lacked certainty about their lineage and historical background in matters concerning culture and tradition.

“The oath serves as a tool for asserting claims, so if one lacks a thorough understanding of their heritage and invokes the oath, they forfeit any entitlements sought and risk losing their standing if found guilty,” he explained.

Recalling events from the previous year, he highlighted that four traditional authorities forfeited their stools due to deceitful invocation of the revered Great Oath.

The occupant of the Golden Stool also recounted the distressing and poignant events that led to the establishment of the oath many years ago, emphasizing that it should never be invoked in vain.

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