The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
In September 2024, The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, attened the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, in a very historic way.
With a wealth of rich cultural displays, the festival was marked by several historic moments. But there was a notable historic moment for the Asantehene just before he departed to the Oguaa festival.
In what was a viral video on September 6, 2024, the Adanse Dompoasehene, Nana Kwabena Bonsu II, was captured performing rituals at the banks of the River Pra at Adanse Praso to allow the Asantehene to cross to the Central Region to participate in the Oguaa Fetu Afahye in Cape Coast.
According to him, the purpose of the libation was to ask for the protection of the river god for Otumfuo on his journey as he crossed the southern boundary of Asante territory.
Many wondered about the rationale behind this event, but history provides a clear explanation.
History of River Pra and Otumfuo Osei Tutu I
It is believed that Asantehene Osei Tutu I, the founder of the Ashanti Empire, died in 1717. He was killed in battle by the Denkyira during the war between the Ashanti and the Denkyira kingdom. His death was an important moment in Ashanti history because he had played a major role in unifying the Ashanti states into a mighty empire.
By tradition, River Pra was the site of the unhappy death of Asantehene Osei Tutu I.
According to tradition, he fell, shot, while crossing the Pra River when in battle against the Denkyira.
His death on the river was symbolic, as the Pra often represented a boundary between the Ashanti and their rivals; thus, it stands out in Ashanti history as a significant geographic and cultural marker.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was at Cape Coast for four-days.
Meanwhile, watch as Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka explains why he allowed his 6-year-old daughter to vote in the 2020 elections:
AE