A captivating episode from Asante history recounts the enigmatic disappearance of Nana Owusu Sekyere Panin, a former Mamponghene renowned for his purported mystical powers. This compelling tale, documented by esteemed scholars Robert S. Rattray and Ivor Wilks, delves into a period of defiance, rebellion, and supernatural legend within the Asante Kingdom.
A Paramount Chief’s Defiance and the Asantehene’s Response
According to both written records and rich oral accounts, Nana Owusu Sekyere Panin, described as possessing extraordinary abilities, exhibited significant insubordination toward the powerful Asantehene Osei Kwame. His confidence in his mystical prowess seemingly made him feel untouchable, leading to open defiance of the paramount authority.
This challenge to the Asantehene’s rule did not go unanswered. In response to Nana Sekyere’s perceived arrogance and insubordination, Asantehene Osei Kwame strategically incited rebellion among the communities of Gyamase, Afidwase, and Edwera against their overlord, the Mamponghene. To enforce his will and confront the rebellious Nana Sekyere, Osei Kwame dispatched the esteemed Ankaasehene Yaw-Amoa Ponko to lead a formidable force of warriors.
The Cat, The Cave, and The Continuing Legend
Facing imminent capture by Yaw-Amoa Ponko’s warriors, Nana Sekyere fled to Yeji. It is here that the narrative takes a truly mystical turn. He reportedly vanished into a cave, having allegedly transformed into a cat.
Robert S. Rattray, the renowned Scottish anthropologist, elaborates on this extraordinary event in his book ‘Ashanti.’ While acknowledging Nana Owusu Sekyere Panyin’s reputation for mystical powers, Rattray suggests that the account of him transforming into a cat was likely a metaphoric narrative, perhaps crafted to obscure or soften the true, more “distasteful” events for his successors.
Rattray’s account states: “The Stool now passed again to the Tana branch, being given to Owusu Sekyere Panyin. He was a magician (wa bin). [The events of his time are obscured in a haze of myth, probably created to hide real events distasteful to his successors.] When Jamasi and Effiduase, who had rebelled, chased him to Yegi, he turned into a cat. He finally disappeared by entering a hole in the rock near Bohen (known as Boakora Bom). His drums and nahera horns are still sometimes heard on an Adae.”
Parallels in Oral Tradition
Oral tradition further enriches this fascinating historical tapestry, drawing parallels with other notable figures in Asante lore. A similar tale is told of the Tafohene (Safo Akonton), who is said to have transformed into a cricket (akatakyire) to evade Nana Osei Tutu I during an attack. These parallel narratives highlight a recurring theme in Asante cultural storytelling, where historical events intertwine seamlessly with supernatural elements.
The story of Nana Owusu Sekyere Panin remains deeply rooted in Ashanti culture. It exemplifies the rich blend of verifiable historical occurrences with mystical elements that characterize Asante oral tradition and heritage, reminding us of the enduring power of narrative in preserving cultural memory.
Source: http://thepressradio.com
