Meet the only chiefs permitted to greet Asantehene with their cloths draped

When the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sits in state, one of the things that can be observed is that every man who comes to pay homage to him wearing kente cloth lowers it.

According to Akan tradition, this is to show a high level of respect for the king of the Ashanti Kingdom.

It also demonstrates submission to the Asantehene’s authority and acknowledges his power and might.

Yet, tradition also shows that there are two men who can go before the Asantehene without the need to lower their cloths.

Speaking in an interview on Opemsuo Radio over the week, Otumfuo Gyaasehene, Katakyie Adubofour Kwaw, disclosed that the two chiefs are the Ekyemhene and Bantama Banmuhene.

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He pointed out that aside from the two chiefs, Akan custom demands that any man who goes before the Asantehene lowers his cloth.

“When you are coming to greet the Asantehene, there are people there who would tell you to lower your cloth. In Asanteman, only two chiefs can greet the Asantehene with their cloths draped (not lowered) — the Ekyemhene and Bantama Banmuhene.

“For them, they are allowed to go before the Asantehene with their cloth fully on, and there is a reason for this,” he said.

He added, “This measure was put in place by the priests for a reason, and we cannot change it.”

Watch a video of his remarks below:

Only the Ekyemhene and Bantama Banmuhene are permitted to greet Asantehene with their cloth draped - Otumfuo Gyaasehene clarifies#opemsuoradio pic.twitter.com/GTIUiqnVAb

— Opemsuo Radio (@OpemsuoRadio) October 17, 2025

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