Kumasi: The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu has reiterated his authority as the sole kingmaker in the Asante Kingdom during a gathering at the Manhyia Palace. This declaration came in response to challenges from some youth in Offinso regarding his rejection of a nominee for the paramount chief position in their area.
According to Ghana Web, the Asantehene addressed the gathering in November 2023, asserting his exclusive right to enstool or remove chiefs within his jurisdiction based on his personal discretion. He emphasized that his role as the kingmaker is irrefutable and cannot be contested by any group or individual. The Otumfuo illustrated this point by recounting a historical anecdote about one of his predecessors, Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, who dismissed nominees for paramount chief positions based on their appearance.
The Asantehene elaborated on the traditions of the kingdom, stating, "Tell the youth that I am the only person who enstools a chief; they shouldn't allow themselves to be deceived. They are saying that they are the kingmakers and that Otumfuo is not a kingmaker... There is no stool on the Ashanti land that I am not kingmaker of." He emphasized the autonomy he possesses in selecting leaders, drawing from historical practices within the kingdom.
In a recent demonstration of his authority, the Asantehene, while listening to a dispute over a chieftaincy, expressed admiration for one of the elders presenting before him. Impressed by the elder's demeanor, the Asantehene declared him the new paramount chief of the contested area, much to the approval of those present. "Who is this guy. I find this guy handsome. Go and be the chief," he announced, reinforcing his role as the ultimate decision-maker in matters of chieftaincy.