Otumfuo Announces Odwira Festival Celebration After Indefinite Suspension
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has announced plans to celebrate the Odwira Festival following its indefinite suspension last year after the passing of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
Speaking at a meeting of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, June 29, the Asantehene revealed that once a new Agonahene had been enstooled, the festival, which has not been observed in 64 years, will take place.
The hint came while Otumfuo was granting a request by Obiri Komfo Anokye Boakye II, the newly enstooled Agonahene, to take the oath of allegiance.
Guidance
In his counsel, His Majesty committed to personally guiding the new chief through the requisite training to equip him for his mandate. Once that is complete, His Majesty stated, Asanteman will observe its first Odwira festival in six and a half decades. “Once you are fully equipped with the needed power, together with your mother, the Agonahemaa, we will observe Odwira. That will be one of your first assignments,” he said.
Background
The announcement comes after a period of uncertainty. In December 2024, Otumfuo had initially announced plans to observe the year-long festival. However, on October 16, 2025, the Asanteman Council convened and suspended the event indefinitely, with His Majesty citing tradition and the passing of the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III as the reason. Now, with the enstoolment of a new Agonahene, the path appears set for the historic celebration to finally hold.
