How political dignitaries paid their last respects to Otumfuo during Akyempimhene’s funeral

The final funeral rites of the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, attracted prominent political figures who came to pay their last respects to the late chief.

The late Akyempimhene was the son of the 15th Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, and was the eldest of five children, as well as the only male child of the king.

The event showcased a rich display of cultural heritage, with notable participation from traditional leaders, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who reportedly shared a close bond with the late Akyempimhene.

As part of the traditions and customs, the political figures who attended the funeral paid their respects to the Asantehene, both as a sign of reverence and to offer their condolences to him and the people of the Ashanti Kingdom.

GhanaWeb takes a look at the political dignitaries who graced the occasion:

1. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

President Nana Akufo-Addo led by a delegation to greet the Otumfuo and exchanged handshakes to commiserate with the chief.

2. John Agyekum Kufuor

The former president also paid his respects to Otumfuo.

A video posted by Opemsuo Radio on YouTube shows Kufuor being assisted by his team to extend his greetings to the chief.

3. Nana Kwame Bediako

The youngest presidential candidate in this year’s election also attended the event.

Cheddar, as he is affectionately known, was captured in a video removing his cap before meeting the Otumfuo as a sign of respect to the elderly king.

After exchanging greetings with Otumfuo, he was joined by his wife to take some pictures with the Asantehene.

4. Kofi Akpaloo

The Presidential Candidate of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, also greeted Otumfuo to pay his respects, right after Nana Kwame Bediako's turn.

5. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The NPP's Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was also present at the funeral rites of the Akyempimhene to pay his last respects.

Meanwhile, Otumfuo in a sombre ceremony that was rich with Ashanti heritage and culture, arrived at the Adum Palace of Nana Adusei, where his body was laid in state.

Draped in his ‘Atinka Ntoma,’ symbolizing his pain at losing a royal and close confidant, and wearing his ‘nsɛbɛ kyɛ’ (hat), Otumfuo performed his final ritual beside the mortal remains of the late Oheneba Adusei, which lay on a golden bed.

Watch the video below:

MAG/AE

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