The King Returns
TITLE:The King Returns: Enstoolment of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Ayikεseε (Great Funeral) of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
Abstract
Asanteis one of the traditional states of the Akan people, who constitute about forty percent of the population of Ghana. Founded at the beginning of the eighteenth century, by the beginning of the nineteenth century Asante controlled a stretch territory almost the size of modern Ghana. Having resisted European intrusions until the early decades of the 20th century, the Asante nation had proudly preserved many cultural practices in their authentic form. This publication, through the events of the ascent to the Golden Stool of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the final funeral rites of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II gives one glimpses of Asante history, political philosophy and culture. An outstanding factor that comes out of the research is the importance of consultation and consensus in Asante political practice.
This publication elucidates the processes of selecting and installing an Asante King revealing its democratic values and principles in operation and to understand the power of women in the Akan political system. It also examines how the opinion of the ordinary people found expression in the choice of an African ruler; Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.