Kumasi: The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is marking his 76th birthday this year, which coincides with the 27th anniversary of his enthronement as the king of Asanteman. Enstooled on April 26, 1999, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was born Nana Kwaku Duah, is the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, which represents the unity and soul of the Asante people.
According to Ghana Web, the Asante Kingdom, established in the 1670s, has had 16 kings to date. Otumfuo Osei Tutu I, who was born Osei Kofi and is regarded as the founder of the Asante Empire, was the leader of Asanteman from 1670 to 1717. Following him was Opoku Ware I, reigning from 1720 to 1750. Kusi Obodum then took the throne, serving as Asantehene from 1750 to 1764 before being forced to abdicate.
After Otumfuo Kusi Obodum, Osei Kwadwo Okoawia became the Asantehene from 1764 to 1777. He was succeeded by Osei Kwame Panyin, who reigned from 1777 to 1803. Opoku Fofie took over in 1803 and reigned until 1804, followed by Osei Bonsu, who was the king from 1804 to 1824.
The next in line was Osei Yaw Akoto, ruling from 1824 to 1834. Kwaku Duah I succeeded him, reigning from 1834 to 1867, followed by Kofi Karikari, who ruled from 1867 to 1874. Mensah Bonsu then ascended to the throne, ruling from 1874 to 1883 until he was forced to abdicate.
Kwaku Duah II briefly held the title in 1884 but died after a short illness. Prempeh I became Asantehene after the Asante Civil War in 1888 and ruled until 1931. Osei Tutu Agyeman Prempeh II succeeded him, reigning from 1931 to 1970. Opoku Ware II served as Asantehene from 1970 to 1999 before the current king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, took over in 1999.