The Occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday afternoon, was captured consumed by grief as he watched his second-in-command, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, lying in repose.
The King left the Manhyia Palace at noon and was in the Traditional Area in about an hour for the final day sacraments of the late traditional ruler on June 9, 2025.
In a solemn procession, Otumfuo made his way to the Amaniampong Silver Stool Palace in a palanquin, dressed to reflect his grief.
With a dagger in hand, the Asantehene stood guard over Daasebre’s body as the Aprede drums echoed through the air.
His Majesty executed a dignified dance, his movements harmonising with the mournful melody before exiting the room.
Otumfuo then proceeded to the Asante Mampong Queen’s dais, where he exchanged pleasantries before assuming his seat as chief mourner, in accordance with tradition.
Present were Paramount and Asante Sub chiefs, H.E John Dramani Mahama, H.E John Agyekum Kufuor, former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, former and incumbent Ministers and others.
Daasebre’s demise was publicly announced in late April.
The unforeseen incident struck while Daasebre was acting as caretaker of the Asante Kingdom in the absence of the King, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
He was last seen publicly condemning tribal remarks by some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the nomination of a Municipal Chief Executive for the Area.
Born Oswald Gyimah-Kessie on December 31, 1939, the late Mamponghene was a lawyer and economist.
He also served with distinction as Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Daasebre ascended the stool in 1996, bringing his expertise to his royal duties.