During the funeral rites of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Manhyia, Dr. Agyarko Opoku—Medical Director at Suntreso and historian at the Manhyia Palace—shed light on a unique cultural protocol in Ashanti tradition: once Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is seated, no other chief may be present at the event except the Juabenhene and the Akyempemhene.
The Role of the Juabenhene
Dr. Opoku explained that the Juabenhene holds a key position in Ashanti custom as the Abakomanhene—second-in-command within the Oyoko royal family, to which the Asantehene belongs. In the absence of the Asantehene, the Juabenhene oversees royal family matters and ensures that traditions are properly upheld. Only after all arrangements are settled is the Juabenhene formally informed that the Asantehene is seated and he may then join.
The Role of the Akyempemhene
The Akyempemhene, traditionally considered the son of the Asantehene, also has a special role. He is the Kyidomhene, or rear guard, and is allowed to enter even after the Asantehene is seated. Symbolically, he is the last to leave any event Otumfuo attends, and only departs upon confirmation that Otumfuo has arrived safely home.
These protocols reflect the deeply hierarchical and symbolic structure of Asante chieftaincy and royal traditions, highlighting the reverence and discipline embedded in the culture.
During the funeral rites of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Manhyia, Dr. Agyarko Opoku—Medical Director at Suntreso and historian at the Manhyia Palace—shed light on a unique cultural protocol in Ashanti tradition: once Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is seated, no other chief may be present at the event except the Juabenhene and the Akyempemhene.
The Role of the Juabenhene
Dr. Opoku explained that the Juabenhene holds a key position in Ashanti custom as the Abakomanhene—second-in-command within the Oyoko royal family, to which the Asantehene belongs. In the absence of the Asantehene, the Juabenhene oversees royal family matters and ensures that traditions are properly upheld. Only after all arrangements are settled is the Juabenhene formally informed that the Asantehene is seated and he may then join.
The Role of the Akyempemhene
The Akyempemhene, traditionally considered the son of the Asantehene, also has a special role. He is the Kyidomhene, or rear guard, and is allowed to enter even after the Asantehene is seated. Symbolically, he is the last to leave any event Otumfuo attends, and only departs upon confirmation that Otumfuo has arrived safely home.
These protocols reflect the deeply hierarchical and symbolic structure of Asante chieftaincy and royal traditions, highlighting the reverence and discipline embedded in the culture.
