Berekum stands still as Otumfuo mourns late Omanhene

Berekum in the Bono Region came to a standstill when the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made a historic entry into the township for the burial rites (doteyie) of the late Omanhene, Daasebre Dr Amankona Diawuo II.

Otumfuo’s majestic entry into Berekum to perform the final rites that paved way for the burial of the Berekumhene later last night, symbolized his authority as the King of the Asante Kingdom of which Berekum is an important part.

Accompanied by hundreds of his people including paramount chiefs and queenmothers, abrempong and courtiers, the King gave meaning to the richness of Asante culture and tradition.
More than 30 VIP buses, fully loaded with subjects of the King, followed Otumfuo tfrom Kumasi to Berekum for the funeral.
Otumfuo’s convoy proper included at least 20 vehicles led by six dispatch riders.

Expectant mood

Since last Monday, the Berekum township had been in expectant mood, and the arrival of the Asantehene on Thursday sent residents cheering.
Thousands lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the King as he rode in a palanquin through the streets of Berekum to the Palace where the remains of Omanhene lay in state.
Hundreds also gathered at the Berekum Palace awaiting the arrival of Asantehene for final burial rites.
Everything that took place on the day, showed that Berekum, in reality belongs to the Asantehene.

Rites

The entire Thursday – the last of the four days declared for the doteyie – was reserved for the Asantehene.
Consequently, no Omanhene was allowed to view the body until Otumfuo had paid his last respects.
His presence concluded the burial rites and paved way for the burial of the paramount chief in accordance with the tradition of the Asante Kingdom.

Background

The late Omanhene, who was known in private life as Dr Leo Ofori, was a member of the Kontire division of the Asanteman Council.
In November 2013, Daasebre Amankona  Diawuo II swore the oath of allegiance to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
He was a surgeon who last worked at the Sunyani Regional Hospital.