Mampong, Ashanti Region – June 11, 2025 – In a profound display of Asante heritage and tradition, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday, June 10, 2025, presided over the final day of the three-day funeral rites, known as ‘Dote Yie,’ for the late Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II. The solemn ceremony, steeped in rich cultural significance, marked the final farewell to a revered royal and the Asantehene’s second-in-command.
A viral video from the event captured the poignant moment as the Asantehene performed the last funeral rites for the departed Mamponghene, adhering meticulously to the time-honored customs of Asanteman. The footage offered a rare glimpse into the intimate and deeply symbolic rituals that underscore the succession and mourning traditions of the Asante Kingdom.
The atmosphere at the Asante Mampong Palace was one of profound reverence and sorrow upon the Asantehene’s arrival. The mortal remains of the late Osei Bonsu II lay in state, surrounded by mourners, dignitaries, and traditional leaders who had gathered to pay their last respects.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II arrived dressed in traditional mourning attire, visually communicating his deep personal loss. He was draped in his ‘Atinka Ntoma’, a fabric specifically chosen to symbolize his immense pain and grief at the passing of a royal and close confidant. Complementing his attire was the ‘nsebe kye’ (hat), another symbolic element indicating his role and emotional state during such a significant funeral.
With a heavy heart, the Asantehene proceeded to perform his final ritual beside the mortal remains of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II. In a deeply moving scene, Otumfuo was observed mouthing his parting words, a personal and private farewell to his fallen comrade. This intimate gesture, coupled with the rhythmic beats of the ‘aprede’ drums, created a powerful moment of spiritual communion and traditional observance. The ‘aprede’ drums, known for their distinctive and often somber tones, provided the auditory backdrop to the Asantehene’s final tribute, underscoring the gravity of the occasion.
Adding to the visual and emotional weight of the ceremony, the Asantehene wore the “kum abrempong” around his neck. This specific adornment further emphasized his role and the solemnity of the ritual he was undertaking. As the ‘aprede’ drums continued their vibrant rhythm, the Asantehene engaged in a ceremonial dance, a traditional expression of mourning and remembrance within Asante culture. He was flanked by his kinsmen, who offered their support and cheered him on, a testament to the collective mourning and solidarity within the Asante royal family and the broader kingdom.
The ‘Dote Yie’ rites serve not only as a farewell to the departed but also as a reaffirmation of the enduring strength and unity of the Asante Kingdom. The presence and active participation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in every detail of the ceremony underscored the paramount importance of the Asante Mamponghene as his second-in-command and a pillar of the traditional structure. The meticulously observed traditions, from the attire to the drumming and dance, highlighted the profound respect for lineage, tradition, and the spiritual continuity that defines the Asante people.
Watch the video below:
Watch video of the ritual below:
Source: Thepressradio.com
